Mumbai FC take on Shillong Lajong FC in their lung-opener on January 10 and then return home to play their next three games against East Bengal (Jan 17), Salgaocar (Jan 24) and Bengaluru FC (Jan 27)
“Last season we did not start well and lost three matches (all away from home). We played our away games better in the second half. This season I am hoping for a better start,”
Khalid Jamil, coach
Mumbai
PTI
Having started with three straight defeats away from home last season in the I-League football, Mumbai FC is eager to begin well in the new season, said head coach Khalid Jamil here today.
“Last season we did not start well and lost three matches (all away from home). We played our away games better in the second half. This season I am hoping for a better start,” said Jamil at the team's jersey unveiling function at their home venue, Cooperage football ground.
Mumbai FC will take on Shillong Lajong FC in their lung-opener on January 10 and then return home to play their next three games against East Bengal (Jan 17), Salgaocar (Jan 24) and Bengaluru FC (Jan 27). Jamil was happy with the squad this season.
“We have adequately replaced those players who have left us and they are also slightly better. I took a lot of time for the composition of the team. We have quality players,” he said.
Among the new recruits are medios Izumi Arata, veteran Steven Dias, who has returned to his home town after six years, experienced North Korean Min Chol Son and Liberian Eric Brown, who has played earlier in Mumbai for ONGC.
Jamil said he did not want to put too much pressure on his team by aiming for a certain slot on the table, but would like to first avoid relegation before improving the position.
About the team's first game, Jamil said:“Shillong Lajong are a tricky side, but are beatable.” He also pointed out that this season the league was only of four months' duration as there were only nine teams unlike last season when there were eleven.
“Can't say whether it's advantageous or not,” he remarked.
Dias said he was happy to be back in Mumbai. “I last played here for Mahindra United (in 2009), then moved to Salgaocar. It's good to be back in Mumbai. We have a very good and balanced team,” said the ex-India player.
