Mumbai City FC remained without a win in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Bengaluru FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Wednesday but head coach Petr Kratky felt there were many reasons for him to be optimistic.

The Islanders had the more clear-cut chances but couldn’t convert as they stretched their winless run to three games after a draw at Mohun Bagan SG and a defeat at Jamshedpur FC.

Kratky, though, felt his team delivered a much-improved performance and are on the right track. 

“So, for me, when I reflect on the whole game. I think we were the better team. We pushed hard in the first half. There are many positives from the game,” he said during the post-match press conference. 

“It's a new team, a new season. This season will be totally different. We need to start somewhere. I can see the bright future. We need to keep working and become better everyday,” he added. 

Match Report: Mumbai City FC 0-0 Bengaluru FC

The Islanders were up against formidable opponents in Bengaluru FC who came into the match having won all three previous games this season, without conceding a goal. Kratky revealed he had to tweak his gameplan to tackle the challenges posed by the visitors and his team a fair job in executing his ideas. 

“Bengaluru FC is a very good team. They have four clean sheets for a reason,” he said. 

“(Playing long) was more of a strategy today. Bengaluru FC press very well. We want to play football, but we also want to win, so we have to make these adjustments sometimes. We too want to play from the back but we need to understand when to do it and against which opposition. So, it was our decision not to do it. The execution could have been better in some parts,” he added. 

The Islanders head coach believes that the results will come for his team once the teal gels more and get stronger defensively. 

“I am very positive. We have a clean sheet. Obviously, we wanted to win but we had goalscoring opportunities. I am proud of the boys. Defensively, we are getting stronger. In the next match, we have to improve more,” he said. 

A first start for #TheIslanders in the #ISL and what a spirited performance it was! 🩵

More to come, Nathan 🫶#MCFCBFC #MumbaiCity #AamchiCity 🔵 pic.twitter.com/odJTUEn1OS

— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) October 2, 2024

The coach was also full of praise for Nathan Rodrigues who played his first match of the season. 

“Nathan Rodrigues was very good. There is an opportunity for this young player and he did well. He will get stronger. He needs to work harder as consistency is key,” he said. 

Mumbai City FC travel to FC Goa in their next match after the international break before returning home to face Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC within a week.