Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky expressed his satisfaction after securing a crucial 2-1 victory against Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz scored the opener in the 22nd minute with his fierce strike inside the box from Lallianzuala Chhangte’s defence-splitting cutback. However, the Islanders couldn’t keep their lead for long as Diego Mauricio equalized the scoreline within three minutes, capitalizing on a mistake by Mumbai City FC goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa.

The hosts started the second half with more energy and positivity, creating waves of attack in front of Odisha FC's defence line. Their hard work paid off in the 61st minute when Chhangte secured the winning goal with a clever move inside the box, capitalizing on Diaz's deflected pass.

After the match, Kratky revealed how they reacted to conceding the goal due to their silly mistake during the half-time break.

"We talked a little bit about the goal at halftime, and basically, we gifted them (Odisha FC) the goal. If Odisha FC were good, they would've scored a good goal. Then we really have to fix something in our defence, but we gave them the goal,” Kratky said in the post-match press conference.

“I always tell my boys to keep going. At half-time, it was 1-1, so we needed to fix a few things, keep believing in our process, and work it out. Because this group stayed together, worked hard, and got rewarded," he added.

Throughout the season, it has been seen that the Mumbai City FC forwards have gelled well with each other, which has resulted in valuable points for Petr Kratky’s men. The Czeck-Australian head coach thoroughly praised his attackers and also remained optimistic about carrying forward their nine-match unbeaten streak.

"They are all fantastic players. We are happy with Diaz’s comeback in the starting 11. He is a very good player. He worked very hard for the team; he scored a goal, which is the most important thing for a striker,” he opined.

“With Chhangte, we just need to keep him positive. He has the quality to win 1v1 duels and get into the box; he provided a fantastic assist. Also, Vikram Partap and Bipin are doing well. So, sometimes it becomes very difficult for me to pick (the players). They are all quality players, and we are now in good momentum,” he continued.

It was a tense atmosphere in Mumbai where an end-to-end battle was going on in the nervy minutes. The Kalinga Warriors displayed their desperation to stage a bounceback against the defending ISL League Shield winners. Although Sergio Lobera’s men had their chances with Mourtada Fall and Puitea, Lachenpa stood strong under the bars to deal with these circumstances.

Following their win against Odisha FC at home, the Islanders now find themselves one step closer to defending the ISL League Shield for the first time in league history. After the final whistle, Kratky seemed so animated and emotional about getting the desired victory. While quizzed about this in the post-match press conference, Kratly acknowledged,

“I always try to find out why I’m emotional. So, I have only questions over there. And if I don't get an answer, I keep asking.”

Sharing his affection and responsibility with the team, the head coach shared, “But again, I'm with the team; I'm an emotional person, and I'm showing my emotions, and if it's bad, like, this is just me.”

“I'm part of the team, and I try to help them, and I want them to be successful. I want them to win. I just wanted them to do well, you know because they deserve it. That's what I feel,” he signed off.

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Odisha FCMumbai City FC2023-2024