Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky is looking to build on the momentum gained from their victory against East Bengal FC as they host Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday.

After going down to Jamshedpur FC 3-2 in their last home match, Kratky’s side bounced back in the following match against East Bengal FC and sealed a 1-0 victory to keep their hopes alive in the League Shield race.

The Czech-Australian tactician reflected on their performance in the previous match and also talked about the importance of carrying this momentum into the upcoming match against Bengaluru FC.

“In the last game, there was a desire to bounce back and there was heart in the performance. We showed that we can play good football and we just have to continue with that and show that it was not just a one-off situation. We need to carry on with that kind of performance in the next game against Bengaluru FC,” Kratky said in the pre-match press conference.

Mumbai City FC will have their key players back in full contention for selection after recovering from injury and suspension. The Islanders' head coach emphasised the importance of having a complete squad available.

“I think this is good to have the full squad available because everyone is important in the team. I'm very happy that the boys are back and they are happy to play so this is the most important (thing) and now it's just about us selecting the best possible XI, such that we can go out there and get the desired result,” he stated.

Mumbai City FC dominated the reverse fixture in Bengaluru earlier in December where they secured a 4-0 victory over the Blues.

Kratky is aware of the quality they currently possess, considering the changes Bengaluru FC have made in the winter transfer window. However, the coach's primary focus is on concentrating on their gameplay and securing three points from the fixture.

“I think we are ready for Bengaluru FC and whatever they throw at us. It is all about being switched on during the 90 minutes and applying yourself on the field. We know they are a quality team, and they can hurt us, so it is all about hard work, and I am very confident about the group,” Kratky said.

“It doesn’t matter who we are facing, because we just need to concentrate and do our best on a daily basis. We are aware of the quality, but we have to put our best foot forward at all times. We always want to win for sure,” he added.

I'm here to help the team: Alberto Noguera

Midfielder Alberto Noguera accompanied Petr Kratky at the pre-match press conference. The Spaniard missed the first half of the league due to injury but, having recovered, he has started to integrate with the team.

The 34-year-old spoke about the determination of every player, emphasising their hard work in training sessions and their readiness to step up whenever called upon.

“We have to make the situation difficult for the coach, and we have to continue to push ourselves in training and keep working hard, and I think we have been training well, and that is key for the team to do well. We have a strong squad, and anyone can step in whenever required,” he stated.

The midfielder further elaborated on the team's chemistry and emphasised its significance in achieving success for the team.

“We are very close to each other and it doesn’t matter if you’re a senior player or a youngster. I’m here to help (others), but they (other players) can also help me out. I think being together is the most important thing in our team,” said Noguera.

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Mumbai City FC2023-2024 Alberto Noguera