Goa: After an easy victory over Odisha FC, Mumbai City FC will face last year’s finalist Chennaiyin FC on Wednesday in the Indian Super League. The Islanders have won their last three games and look like an out-and-out favourite against a yet-to-settle Chennaiyin side.
With the likes of Hugo Boumous, Adam Le Fondre, Mourtada Fall, Ahmed Jahouh and under the constant eyes of Sergio Lobera Mumbai have been playing like a well-oiled machine. On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC have collected four points out of three matches they have played and are no doubt a good side. With the likes of Anirudh Thapa, Rafael Crivellaro, Esmael Goncalves, they certainly have a good side to challenge Mumbai as an exciting match is expected.
Lobera has been a strong influence in this Mumbai City FC side, he has been shaping the side up and has been playing some football in their last two encounters. The team has shown why they have been named as the out and out favourites by their game. Lobera has been keen to win more of matches and settle the top position for the Islanders.
In the pre-match press conference, Lobera said, “The key to football in balance. We are an attacking team but we need to defend well too and this is important for us because it is not easy to keep three clean sheets but I always think that the best way to defend is to keep the ball.”
Csaba Laszlo, Chennaiyin FC coach knows that he has to do with his set of players. He has been a no-nonsense rough coach who has never been feared of any challenge. He knows that Mumbai is a strong side but it doesn’t really matter for him. Mainly he is focused on his team’s game and wants to win this encounter to kick start their season in correct shape.
“We will try. We have the abilities to score but we also know the strengths and weaknesses of Mumbai City FC. They are a strong team but we are not weak. We have shown that we can play football and that we can score goals as well. In the last game, we lost but this is a new game and I am confident in my team,” Laszlo said.
