Petr Kratky on ‘not-so pretty’ three points at East Bengal FC, Chhangte and more
The Czech head coach demanded more improvement from his team despite a vital away win in Kolkata.
Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky was delighted with the 3-2 win over East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) but felt the team’s performance could have been better.
The Islanders were cruising 2-0 before the Red and Gold brigade restored parity with seven minutes on the clock. However, Nikos Karelis found the winning goal just four minutes later to give his team precious three points.
The Czech coach felt his team needed to do more work to streamline their performances and get back to the levels of last season.
“I think the first half was okay. We kept possession, created chances and scored two goals. I was not very happy about the second half. These were not very pretty three points. I take that today,” Kratky said in the post-match press conference.
“We have to keep working so that it's pretty. It's a fantastic achievement to get three points against a very good team with a very good coach. They made it difficult for us especially at the start of the second half. We have to be more consistent,” he added.
“2-0 is a risky scoreline. After scoring the second goal, we started dropping deep. It's something that I really don't like,” he continued.
The fixture where visitors always steal the show! 😌#EBFCMCFC #ISL #LetsFootball #EastBengalFC #MumbaiCityFC | @MumbaiCityFC @eastbengal_fc pic.twitter.com/eIsymmyNSI
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) January 6, 2025
Captain Lallianzuala Chhangte ended a seven-match goal drought as he put the visitors in front and coach Kratky was upbeat about his talismanic winger for the season ahead.
“Chhangte is a very good player. He is a captain for a reason. He scored a goal today which will boost his confidence. This position in the centre of the pitch suits him more,” he said.
“Last season too, he picked up in the second half of the season. Hard work always pays off and he is the most hardworking person in the club. He will start flourishing in the second half of the season,” he added.
The coach also shared his thoughts on the club’s new signing Prabir Das.
“Prabir Das is an experienced player. He brings energy to the team. He has played over 100 games in ISL. He can talk to young players and support the team. He is a big addition to our team,” he concluded.
