ISL 2018-19: Mumbai City coach expects team to fight back against Dynamos

Dynamos’ goal-keeper Francisco Dorronsoro will be the man to beat.

Mumbai City defender Lucian Golan likes to surprise rivals by sneaking into the goalmouth.

Francisco Dorronsoro is one of the few foreign goalkeepers getting game time this season in the Indian Super League.

The Spaniard’s stunning saves against defending champion Chennaiyin FC allowed Delhi Dynamos force a brave draw. Boosted by this display, he will be the player to watch as Dynamos take on Mumbai City FC on Saturday.

Three draws in four appearances shows the quality of Dynamos’ defensive formation. Francisco has the maximum saves (14) among goalkeepers in this competition.

Chief coach Josep Gombau will be hoping for a repeat show from his custodian and a tighter display from the defenders as the team hunts for a first victory. Midfielder Mathias Mirabaje will play against his former club.

For the home team, struggling to impress fans at the Mumbai Football Arena, the ups and downs so far in four matches, hinder coach Jorge Costa’s desire to give his players the freedom to play an attacking style.

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Five goals leaked by the MCFC defence, and goalkeeper Amrinder Singh has been embarrassing, but two of FC Goa’s five goals were masterpieces, the angle of delivery awkward for any goalkeeper to handle.

Dynamos assistant coach Mridul Banerjee observed: “Mumbai City did not lose the game, FC Goa won it and all the goals were good. Mumbai got chances but did not convert.”

MCFC did not deserve to lose by five goals. After an assertive first half, the team was found short on intent in the second session.

Amrinder cannot be judged by one bad night and will remain the first choice for Costa, whose attacking midfielders Modou Sougou, Paolo Machado, Arnold Sissoko and striker Pranlal Bhumij will be expected to produce something special to beat Francisco. Central defender Lucian Golan likes to surprise rivals by sneaking into the goalmouth.

The home team coach expects his players to fight back. “We must respect first our job, we must respect the work and we must also respect the fans. We cannot give up. In the last 15-20 minutes (against FCG), we gave up. As a professional footballer, you don’t give up,” said Costa, for whom making fans happy by attitude and goals is as vital as winning.