Indian Super League (ISL) side Mumbai City FC have secured the services of Petr Kratky as the new head coach, the club announced the signing on their official website on Saturday.

The Czech coach continues his journey within the City Football Group, arriving from sister club Melbourne City. The 42-year-old assumes his new role with Mumbai City until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Born in the Czech Republic, Kratky enjoyed a 15-year playing career as a right-back and represented some of the biggest Czech clubs including Mlada Boleslav and Slovan Liberec before finishing his career with Heidelberg United in Australia. Kratky then joined A-League side Melbourne City as an Academy Coach, taking charge of the Club’s Developmental Squad in the NPL2, before coaching them in the NPL Seniors.

Following Des Buckingham’s move from Melbourne to Mumbai in October 2021, Kratky was promoted to the role of Assistant Coach of Melbourne City’s First Team. As Assistant, the Czech-Australian coach served under Patrick Kisnorbo, Rado Vidosic and most recently, under Aurelio Vidmar.

During his seven-year stint at Melbourne City, Kratky coached and nurtured several young players from his Developmental Squad, creating a pathway for them into senior football. As Assistant Coach, Kratky was instrumental in guiding Melbourne City to consecutive A-League Men’s Premiers titles in 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Speaking on the appointment, Kandarp Chandra, CEO of Mumbai City FC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Petr to the Mumbai City family. In the last few years, we have played the ‘City Way’ and showcased some exciting football under two excellent coaches. However, the salience of the ‘City’ philosophy is that it stands strong on an ideology and does not rely on any one single individual.”

“We interviewed several candidates but we believe Petr is the right choice to not only ensure continuity in our footballing philosophy but also to help us build on it and grow as a football club. With his vast experience at Melbourne City, he has a deep understanding of the brand of attractive football that we want to play at Mumbai City, much like the other CFG clubs. All of us at Mumbai City are excited to have Petr with us and we look forward to working with him.”

Speaking on the occasion, the new Mumbai City Head Coach, Petr Kratky, said: “I am excited to embark on this new opportunity at Mumbai City FC and to continue working as part of the City Football Group. One thing that I value most within CFG is that we are aligned by the same vision and philosophy which is centred around playing the City Way.”

“Our philosophy has the overarching goal to succeed, and I’m very excited to get started in Mumbai as I know the Club has set strong foundations for long-term success. I hope to build on everything Mumbai City has achieved in recent years and to uphold our proud legacy of winning whilst playing attractive football.”

“I would like to thank everyone in the Melbourne City FC family - they will always have a special place in my heart.”

Kratky is set to take charge in his first game for the Islanders against FC Goa on December 12, who are currently at the top of the Indian Super League.

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