Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky voiced his disappointment after his team fell short to Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex Stadium on Saturday.

The game in Jamshedpur turned into a thrilling goal-fest, with the home side coming out on top after five goals were scored in total.

The Islanders struck first with a brilliant goal from Nikolaos Karelis, but Jamshedpur FC quickly responded, levelling through a header by Jordan Murray, followed by a free-kick goal from Javier Hernandez to take the lead.

The Men of Steel increased their advantage in the second half, with Hernandez scoring his second of the match. Yoell van Nieff managed to pull one back with a superb goal, but it wasn’t enough for the Islanders.

Kratky reflected on the result, acknowledging how Jamshedpur FC played to their strengths to claim all three points.

"We started very well and scored a great goal, just like in the last game against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. However, we didn't manage to score against Mohun Bagan SG. In this game, we went 1-0 up away from home, but then, from two set pieces, we went 2-1 down. So, we need to reflect on ourselves,” Kratky stated in the post-match press conference.

“We knew Jamshedpur FC would be a tough opponent, and we knew their style—how they play with long balls, second balls, set pieces, and crosses. We knew that, but that's why they do it because they are very good at it. But we have to work on how to stop and how to not concede,” he stated.

The Islanders dominated possession and looked to create dangerous opportunities from both flanks. Kratky made all his tactical adjustments in the second half, but it wasn’t enough, as Jamshedpur FC’s defence remained resolute, securing their second consecutive victory of the season.

“Jamshedpur FC deserved to win based on how they played. They had goalscoring opportunities, they scored goals, and they played their way. So, respect them for how they achieved that. But again, we have to, as Mumbai City FC, look at ourselves, and how we can win the games,” the head coach opined.

Mumbai City FC have now conceded five goals in their opening two matches, compared to just 19 during the entire league phase last season.

Kratky emphasized the urgency of addressing the issues troubling the team and making improvements before they face current league leaders Bengaluru FC on October 2.

“We need to get better in the area where it's hurting us. And we have to stop it as soon as possible because, in two games, we conceded five goals and four goals from set-pieces, which is unacceptable for me,” he said.

"We have to keep working and keep going. We need to analyze, and identify what's (going) wrong and have to find why. The 'why' is very important. If we know why we're conceding, why we're losing, or why we're not getting the points, then we can figure out what to fix. So, this is our and my first goal,” Kratky added.

Related tags:

Jamshedpur FCMumbai City FC2024-2025