Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky is looking to build on their momentum as they face Manolo Marquez's FC Goa, at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai on Wednesday in Matchweek 17 of the Indian Super League (ISL).

The Islanders, led by their new head coach Petr Kratky, have been notably successful in building on the foundation left by their former head coach Des Buckingham.

Kratky has effectively instilled his strategies, leading the team to adapt and witness positive changes. The Islanders currently stand second in the points table, just a point behind the league leader, Odisha FC, with 31 points from 15 games. Kratky's squad has secured three consecutive wins leading up to their encounter against the Gaurs.

The same cannot be said for their opponents, FC Goa, who have faced challenges since the recent international break. Despite restructuring their back line due to the absence of key centre-back Sandesh Jhingan, head coach Manolo Marquez and the Gaurs find themselves on a three-game losing streak, dropping to the fifth position on the table with 28 points from 15 games. They have managed only one win in their last five outings.

The head coach provided some insights into the current atmosphere within the camp following the team's attainment of their third consecutive victory since he assumed charge.
"We feel very good about that (the consecutive wins) - very important wins (for us). We need to keep going, keep repeating this, and be highly consistent and focused; that's the important part. Now we will see if we can maintain that focus for the next game," said Kratky during the pre-match press conference.
Kratky was eager to emphasize that under Marquez, the Gaurs should not be underestimated, despite their recent descent from the top in the race for the League Shield.
"FC Goa are a quality team; they've had a good run for a reason—having quality players and a good coach. We need to be aware of this. As we all know, the season is long, and filled with ups and downs. In every sport, staying at the top is challenging; there will be moments of lows, but we can always bounce back, and we have to be ready for it. They will be prepared to make changes, and we need to be ready for that. FC Goa are coming here to fight, so we must be prepared for the challenge," he shared.
Kratky was quick to express his satisfaction with the team's approach to adapting, improving, and taking feedback, as well as the level of effort everyone brings to the training ground.

"The group is very good; their approach and attitude are fantastic. Everyone is training very well and trying to do the right things, which is very important for the group going forward. So I am very happy so far, seeing how everyone's attitude is and how they have been in training and in games," he said.
FC Goa are a dangerous team: Iker Guarrotxena

Midfielder Iker Guarrotxena accompanied his head coach to the press conference ahead of their game against the Gaurs. The 31-year-old midfielder, who recently joined the Islanders during the winter transfer window, is familiar with the league and conditions, having played in the ISL previously with FC Goa during the 2022-23 season.

The Spaniard, already boasting a goal and two assists in only his fourth appearance for the team, shared his perspective on integrating with the squad and staff. He also expressed his thoughts on achieving their first hat-trick of wins, following the recent victory over Chennaiyin FC.

"Since the first day, everything was okay. Now the thing is not just that I am playing, I am running and doing whatever I gotta do to the other team. Still, I have many things (that) I like to improve, that's the key, repeat. Repeat what we have been doing well and improve the things that we have to improve," stated Guarrotxena.
He wrapped up the press conference by sharing his insights on the team's upcoming opponent, emphasizing that the Gaurs might be a more dangerous side overall, regardless of their recent performance.
"They are a more dangerous team now because I think wins will be close for them, so we will try to keep their defeats going longer. When I played for them, their players had a lot of quality, and they played well. I think now they are fully immersed in their new playing style and they know how to do it! the playing style they are trying to achieve," he signed off.