“We are playing in Kerala and we are aware of their strong points. Possession doesn’t necessarily mean goals. In the last match NorthEast United FC (vs Kerala Blasters FC) had a lot of possession but they could not create any solid chances with that,"Mumbai assistant coach Oscar Bruzon
Agencies
Kochi
Mumbai City FC conceded the first Maharashtra derby of the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League(ISL) to FC Pune City 3-1 earlier this week and now they face Kerala Blasters FC on Saturday, who won their opener in style against NorthEast United FC on Tuesday.
Mumbai assistant coach Oscar Bruzon addressed the press on Friday, ahead of the game at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, and insisted creating chances was paramount for his team against Kerala, who are very good in the air.
“Tomorrow is going to be a really interesting game between two teams who have different styles. Kerala is more into direct football, similar to English football and we are a team who relies on a lot on possession,” Bruzon said.
“We are playing in Kerala and we are aware of their strong points. Possession doesn’t necessarily mean goals. In the last match NorthEast United FC (vs Kerala Blasters FC) had a lot of possession but they could not create any solid chances with that. We will be looking to keep the ball as much as possible and make sure we are creating chances with it.”
Defender Frantz Bertin, who accompanied Bruzon to face the media, meanwhile, emphasised the need of good defending. “This game, we will have to defend good because it is a tough away game. I have told the players to work hard and if we defend well we could win tomorrow,” he said.
Despite a non-ideal start, Bruzon maintained his team, which won four games out of 14 last season, was realistically looking at a semis berth.
“This year is a completely new team, we have to keep our past aside and we are going to fight for our position in the semis,” he said.
Bruzon also revealed that team’s marquee player-cum-coach Nicolas Anelka was fit to start the game. In the last game in Kochi against NorthEast, in excess of 60,000 spectators turned up to see the home side win. Bruzon said he was looking forward to another encounter in front of a big crowd. “You know that Kerala is a big football state with big crowds, looking forward to tomorrow’s match.”
FORMGUN
Kerala Blasters who beat NorthEast United 3-1 in a home game in Kochi will be looking to maintain their momentum against Mumbai City FC. Mumbai, who suffered a reverse at the hands of rivals FC Pune City in the opener, during a 1-3 loss, have the potential to bounce back with Nicolas Anelka at the helm
