Mumbai : Mumbai FC are confident of dealing with the pressure of going all out for a win when they take on East Bengal in a 22nd round I-League match to be played at the Cooperage ground today.
The Mumbai club are in a must-win situation as they are still fighting to stay away from the relegation zone. With the league reaching the business end, Mumbai FC have 18 points from the same number of games and occupy the 7th position but not safe. In contrast East Bengal are placed 4th with 26 points from 17 games.
A win against the famed East Bengal club would ensure that Mumbai FC move higher in the league standing and survive the drop.
Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil quite plainly admitted that there is only one solution for them, which is to win. “There is just one solution for us, we have to win and for that we have to score goals. Not one, but two goals,” he mentioned during the pre-match press briefing.
Jamil also pointed out that the opposition has a very potent attack and that his defenders will have to come good and stop them. “They have very good attacking players, Ranti Martins and Dudu Omagbemi, and we cannot afford to give them any chance. We have to block them,” he said.
Mumbai FC would also like to reproduce the same form which they displayed in the last game against Dempo SC in Goa last week, but had to settle for a goalless draw. “We played exceptionally well against Dempo. It was one of our best matches as the boys produced the best performance, but only we did not score. We missed quite a number of chances,” Jamil stated.
The home side will start without midfielders Vashum Reisangmi and defender Collin Abranches, both sustaining injuries in the last game. Goalkeeper Kunal Sawant will retain his position under the bar as Nidhinlal A.C. is still nursing an injury.
East Bengal Dutch coach Eelco Schattorie said that the two teams are in different positions. Mumbai is fighting relegation and for us (East Bengal) we have a chance to go higher. That will heavily influence and motivate the players and Mumbai will be fully charged up to fight for a win,” Schattorie said.
It will be quite a challenge for Mumbai FC as their rivals East Bengal have nothing much to lose and a win for the visitors will only improve their position in the table.
The Mumbai club, who drawn 9, including the last 5 games and have won just 3 with the last win against Bharat FC in February are due for a win. They would also be banking on their home supporters for motivation which would help them to play for a win.
