Mumbai: It has been a year but Mumbai City FC’s spot on the Indian Super League table is refusing to budge from the seventh position. The team from the Maximum City, which finished in the same position in the first season, will take on Delhi Dynamos at the DY Patil Stadium here on Wednesday.
“This is not the beginning we wanted, all the boys are concerned in the group to take three points. This league is short,” said Oscar Bruzon, assistant coach (Mumbai City FC).
Bruzon pointed that the team sat down and deconstructed Delhi’s strong and weak areas.
“We have analysed their game. At this point, it is important we beat them. Mumbai should put the strongest team on paper and play with a spirit. We need to focus on us, do our work. Most of the players are available and confident of saving us from the emergency situation,” added Bruzon.
However, Bruzon asserted that Nicolas Anelka is still nursing his groin injury and will not be available for the fixture.
The star national player Sunil Chhetri – Mumbai’s trump card this season (bought for Rs 1.20 crore) – lacked spark against Chennaiyin FC.
“I feel he was not playing at his best. He had just arrived from national duty. He is an important player for the team,” said Bruzon.
Sony Norde, also a star player for Mumbai, is yet to find his mojo.
“He is a big player but he is not converting. I think we need to help him with positions on the pitch,” pointed Bruzon.
On the other hand, Delhi Dynamos assistant coach Raman Vijayan sounded a happy man.
“We are an organised side in every department and now, the focus is to bag points in the next game. When you are playing away, bagging those points are more important,” he said.
Vijayan praised the legendary Brazilian star Roberto Carlos – the head coach of the franchise – for bringing in a fresh style and passion.
“We have a new style of football, thanks to Carlos. He brought a great level of understanding and attitude,” added Vijayan.
But the former India player is unsure about Carlos’ availability as a player.
“I can’t comment on that. It depends how it goes, if he thinks it is necessary, he may play. He is very much fit to play,” he asserted.
Carlos seemed frustrated in the first match when Delhi lost 0-2 to FC Goa.
“For any player or coach, the first match is tough. The weather factor is also there for players come from different regions and countries. Later, we realised we had a great understanding and it shows now (with three wins in a row),” Vijayan pointed.
