Ahead of the clash against ATK Mohun Bagan, Mumbai City FC’s head-coach Sergio Lobera and defender Mandar Rao Dessai addressed the media in a pre-match press conference.
Commenting on tomorrow’s game against ATK Mohun Bagan, Lobera said,
“I think it’s going to be a important game, but it’s not a crucial game. In this league, everything is possible to change in a short time. Sometimes, we have three games in seven days. So, the most important thing is to keep our focus, to improve ourselves and it’s a good test for us tomorrow.“
“As all know, when you finish one game the next is the most important. The situation is the same for tomorrow’s game. We are playing against a very good team. ATKMB are doing a very good job. About the injuries, all squad is fit and I am very happy about this situation,” he added, speaking about the injury concerns.
Upon asked about the importance of Hernan Santana in the team, as he played in various position till now, Lobera said,
“The most important thing always for me is the teamwork. It’s not only about individual players but it’s also about the collective work. I think this is the most important thing. We have very good players. But, we need to work as a team and this is the most important thing. It’s not about Jahouh, Fall, Hernan, I think, my job as a coach is to try to work as a collective and in this situation I don’t like to speak about individuals.“
After asked about the targets set for mid-season, before starting of the league, the head-coach quoted,
“As you know, it was a big challenge to adapt to the current circumstances as we had a very short pre-season, also try to implement a new style of play with 24 new players. But, I am very happy. I want to speak about the professionalism, attitude showed by my players. It’s most important to improve day-by-day, game-by-game. We are in a good way, not only about the results, not only about the position in the table but improving our style of play. I am very happy about my players especially in these special circumstances.”
The 28-year-old left-back Mandar Rao Dessai left the squad as his father passed away. But, recently he returned and under gone 14-days quarantine. He said,
“Yes, I had to leave because of my personal problems. But, once I was back I had to continue working hard. It was just because of my father, who always helped me from the very start when I was young. So, I just could not forget playing and do what I always wanted to do. It’s a big motivation for me from my father. All the support staff, the coach and all the players have been helping me a lot during these very difficult times. I tried to do my best, train when I was inside for 14 days. Then when I was back in the team, I tried to adapt to the team’s level as fast as I can.”
“I had to always remember what my father told me. I had to come back and perform at the top level. It’s all because of the people who have been with me throughout my life and helping me in certain things. I tried my best to keep my focus on the games and to do well, so that I can do whatever it’s for my father,” he added.
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