Mumbai City FC defender Rahul Bheke has been very influential for the Islanders ever since he joined his hometown club from Bengaluru FC. Bheke this season has been very pivotal for Des Buckingham’s men as they are enjoying a historic unbeaten run in the Indian Super League. The veteran Indian fullback has replaced the injured Amey Ranawade and has been very solid for the league leaders.
Mumbai City FC have been flawless this season as they have broken records with every match and are seven points ahead of second placed Hyderabad FC, whom they will face next. With only four matches to go for the regular season, Mumbai City FC have high chances of being the only team to go unbeaten in the league phase of the ISL.
The win against Jamshedpur FC became a new benchmark as Buckingham’s men created history by winning 11 straight matches. They now have the longest winning streak in the league and it proves how they have been class apart from the competition.
With 47 goals from 16 games this season, their attack has been unstoppable this season whereas in defense they have join highest record of seven clean sheets. Rahul Bheke shared how the defenders can take a leaf out from the forwards and be at their dominant best.
“We need to do the same as defenders. That’s what we want, to keep clean sheets and keep defending well for the team. We will make sure that we stick to this in the upcoming matches. We will continue the same work,” Bheke said, envisioning the defense working in tandem with the attack.
Rahul Bheke credits coach Des Buckingham for being more of a confidant and guide than a coach. He shares how the Englishman has been been sensational with his ideas, philosophy and man management skills and it had brought out the best in them.
“He’s always there to help the players and guide them and that’s the reason (we are doing well under him). Right from the time he has arrived, he has helped the team grow. Even last season, or you can see in the AFC Champions League, the Durand Cup and even now this season, the players are learning from him and doing what he wants, that’s the main point. The important thing is that it’s giving us the results and players are listening to him,” the veteran defender added.
Indian players have been in the forefront for the Islanders apart from foreign players. Winger Lallianzuala Chhangte has been the joint top scorer with Jorge Diaz with 9-goals apiece. Overall the Indian contingent has contributed 22 goals out of the 47 scored, which speaks volumes about the Indian players in this team.
“I think that’s the main motto, that Indian football should grow. You can see that because of a head coach, if the players are growing, that’s a good sign for Indian football, and the individual players as well. So I hope players keep learning from the coach and keep going, do better and improve as players. So that’s what we all want. They way we are playing, everyone is understanding what the coach wants and delivering it on the pitch, which is the reason why we are getting results,” Rahul Bheke decided to shed more light on the development of Indian players under Buckingham.
The Islanders will be looking to continue their winning run as they will host Hyderabad FC next at the Mumbai Football Arena on 4th February. If they win the upcoming game then there are high chances of them finishing as invincibles.
