Even with the odds stacked against it, ATK possesses the capability and players to trouble a strong opponent on any given day.
Coached by Teddy Sheringham, the visitor has slipped to the bottom of the points tally after losing two out of its four matches this season. However, the defending champion won’t lie low for long and the compactly-built Mumbai Football Arena could prove to be the right place for a turn in fortunes.
READ: Mumbai City FC allocates section for away fans
Sheringham observed: “We were attacking in matches, and could have won with a little bit of luck. We also conceded a couple of silly goals - a couple of deflections as well - but it is up to us to stop those situations. We’ve caused our own problems and worked hard to rectify that.”
Captained by Jordi Montel, ATK displayed character to hold Chennaiyin FC to a 2-2 draw but ended up losing an away game to FC Pune City, which it could have won, had the team's forwards found the target.
Pune's Marcelino and Emiliano Alfaro teamed up to inflict the damage - the duo also asking questions of Mumbai City’s formidable backline comprising Lucian Goian and Marcio Rosario playing in front of goalkeeper Amrinder Singh.
Mumbai City coach Alexandre Guimaraes said: “We face a team which is tough and plays with a different approach than the rest. After the Kerala Blasters game ( 1-1 draw in Kochi ), our players understand the direction I want the team to take.”
The home team is unbeaten so far, and its confidence is rising with every game. The coach concurred: “We have started to play better and have more balance. The players need to continue performing that way and produce more quality. If we do that, we can continue to be strong at home.”
Comments
SHARE