During the 2019-20 Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) season, City Football Group (CFG) acquired a majority stake in Mumbai City FC and midfielder Raynier Fernandes believes that their new owners have a clear plan in place for the club. Raynier has spent two seasons with the Islanders and is hopeful about a bright future with his hometown club under Mumbai City’s new management.

"With the City Football Group on board, it's a good thing for the club and for Indian football overall because there will be many new things that we will get to see, although now because of the lockdown it may take time. In the coming years, you will see the team perform well because the City Football Group will be coming with a plan. We just have to trust the plan and work on it," Raynier told goal.com.

He continued, “The two years that I played for Mumbai City, it was amazing. Right from the training sessions, to the matches, everything was just brilliant. It's just that we couldn't qualify for the playoffs (last season), but this is football. There are ups and downs and every team faces this problem but it is upon the players, coaches and the management to believe in each other and show what we got.”

READ: Raynier Fernandes: The feeling of playing for your home club is great

The 2020-21 Hero ISL season is set to take place in Goa and Raynier shared his excitement while discussing the upcoming campaign. “All the players are very excited and I hope everything gets back to normal soon for us to play football. I think there are a lot of good things that lie ahead for us and it's just a matter of time before we get back and showcase everything that we have,” he said.

Having reached the playoffs in the 2018-19 season, Mumbai City were in the reckoning for a top four finish in Hero ISL 2019-20 as well before eventually finishing fifth in the standings. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Raynier is confident about his team’s plans and understands the task at hand.

“In the coming season, all the teams will be looking to get all three points in each and every game. So, we are also looking forward to a great future with a good plan. We will be looking to not commit the same mistakes and try to be strong enough to beat each and every team with our own plan,” the 24-year-old midfielder explained.