League leaders Mumbai City FC will look to continue their winning streak against Jamshedpur FC tonight at GMC Bambolim stadium. Ahead of the game, head coach Sergio Lobera and winger CY Goddard addressed the media in a pre-match press conference.
Upon being asked about the shorter recovery period between matches, Lobera said, “We had a short pre-season. This year the situation is different due to pandemic and we should adapt this situation as it is. In this circumstances, we are trying our best to recover quickly after every match. Not only for the players who played, also as a coach it’s important to me.“
After the loss against NorthEast United FC in the first match of the season, the team bounced back and recorded four wins in a row. Irrespective of the results, enhancing the style of play and speaking on improvements needed, Lobera quoted, “It’s not only about the result. We won four games in a row, it’s not easy. But, we need to improve lot of things and we need to improve day-by-day, every training and game-by-game.“
Speaking up on Jamshedpur FC and Owen Coyle’s philosophy, “Jamshedpur FC is a very competitive side as they are good with ball possession and creating chances. It’s even more dangerous team because when they create chances they usually score goals for sure. We have to work on offensive and defensive aspects. Because it’s very important for game against Jamshedpur FC”
Mandar Rao Dessai has always been the name which is included in Lobera’s starting eleven. Unfortunately, Dessai has been out of action as his father passed away on December 3rd. The 28-year-old is expected to rejoin the team soon, on that note, Lobera said, “Now, we are living in difficult circumstances. But, it’s necessary to follow the rules to avoid problems. We are speaking about health and this situation is not easy for anyone. We are playing against 10 teams and against the virus. It’s a difficult situation. It’s difficult to accept this because you know, after a big personal problem to go quarantine for 14 days in a room it’s not easy.“
The Tottenham Hotspur youth graduate, CY Goddard spoke up about the Lobera’s style of play and said, “I have grown up watching Spanish football and its philosophy fits into what I have grown up watching. For me, it hasn’t been so hard to go into a playing style where they try to play football, play out from the back, tactically. I have enjoyed very much, learning new things.“
“I wouldn’t say the style of football makes it harder. I would say the style of football that we play makes it easier because physically we are trying to move the team around. So,if we are in possession the other team is going to do more of the work.” he added.
Goddard has been very quick on the right wing, speaking of partnering with other forwards in team, he said, “I think we have only been together for a short period of time. First of all, we get on very well off the pitch. So, it makes it easier for us to develop a relationship on the pitch, which I feel is very important. I think it can only get better, but it’s got off to a good start.“
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