Mumbai: Mumbai City FC have not played any official match since December 4. It has been a worrying few months for the Indian Super League (ISL) as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been struggling to get off the ground. During this delay, coach Peter Kratky found time to “reset and reflect.”
“I reviewed the previous phase, analyzed the performance and worked on planning,” he told HT. “It was also important for me to recharge my batteries.”
Now the former champions and 2020-21 double winners are set to play their first match of the season on Thursday, at the Andheri Sports Complex, against Chennaiyin FC.
“At the end of the day, we all love football,” Kratky said. “Training is great but the games are what we work for. There is a real excitement to be playing again.”
There were challenges in the pre-season preparation phase. After a long hiatus before and after the Super Cup in December, the players gathered in Mumbai for pre-season training on 12 January. Kratky said the challenge was getting the players into some sort of rhythm before the first game.
“Match accuracy is something you cannot fully replicate in training so it is a concern for everyone but the players have come back in good form so we have tried to gradually increase the intensity through play-based sessions. We expect it will take a match or two to get into full rhythm but we will be competitive from the start.
“There’s definitely less than ideal time, so it’s about efficiency rather than rushing. Smart training, load management and making sure we peak at the right moments,” Kratky said. “With fewer matches, every point becomes more valuable. Consistency is key. You can’t afford a slow start and long declines in form.”
This season the league is played in a single-match league system, with each team playing 13 matches.
The uncertainty preceding the season that began on Saturday led to the departure of Spanish defender Terry and Dutch midfielder Yoel Van Neef. However, Mumbai City have managed to retain their core group of Indian players such as skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte, playmaker Brandon Fernandes, speedy striker Vikram Partap Singh, and the ever-improving Hemingthanmawiya ‘Valpuya’ Ralte in defence.
They also welcome back their industrial Argentine striker Jorge Pereira Diaz, who returns after a year at Bengaluru FC. Holding midfielder Johnny Kawko who was key to Mohun Bagan winning the League Shield in 2023-24 and helped Inter Kashi to promotion to the ISL is also a new signing.
Kratky, 44, showed that he has the ability to guide his team to success despite the short period of time.
Kratky joined after Des Buckingham left midway through the 2023-24 season and when Mumbai City were struggling. He led them to second place in the league. Mumbai City won the ISL Cup by defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Kolkata.
“(Everyone) is very focused,” Kratky added. “The players are hungry to compete again. There is a strong sense of teamwork and responsibilities. Everyone understands the importance of a good start.”
It’s been a long time coming, but finally, the game is back for Mumbai.
