Mumbai City head coach Des Buckingham was delighted after they defeated NorthEast United FC by 2-1 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, in Guwahati, on Sunday. Pereyra Diaz scored a brace for the Islanders as the previous season’s League Shield champions got three crucial points to make a winning start to their campaign.
Diaz gave visitors the lead in the 25th minute but Parthib Gogoi scored the equalizer for the Highlanders after six minutes. However, the Argentine once again scored in the 37th minute for the tourists.
“I think when we look back at this (result) later on in the season, we will realise how important these three points are or will be,” Buckingham said in the official post-match press conference.
“I think coming here, first game of the season, a lot of travel for us as well, but to come here against what is very different NorthEast (side). We knew they were going to be strong and from what I have just seen on the pitch there, we have had to do a lot to come away with this result, which I’m extremely happy with but I have no doubt that – NorthEast United FC will cause a lot of problems, certainly at home,” he explained.
The Englishman added that it is imperative for the players to have sharpness in their game to get the desired results.
“It is more about sharpness for us now. The more games we play, same as last year, probably after three or four games, (when we played against Kerala Blasters FC) when we had that sharpness that allowed us to do well. That will come,” Buckingham stated.
“This is just our second game after the AFC Champions League game, the other night and now it’s about making sure that we keep our squad as fresh and fit as we can,” he added.
Praising Diaz for his brace, Buckingham said, “We know we’re a very different team with Diaz when he plays, not just because of his finishing, but the way he presses and understands how we want to play. He’s a very important player alongside, obviously, the others that work so well with him, like they did last year.”
Mumbai City FC will next take on Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Thursday.
Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed India to include a wicket-taking option like Varun… अधिक पढ़ें
Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has questioned Washington Sundar’s role after South Africa won… अधिक पढ़ें
Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has put his weight behind Virat Kohli to score… अधिक पढ़ें
Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan slammed Prasidh Krishna after India suffered a four-wicket loss… अधिक पढ़ें
Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar said veteran batter Virat Kohli played a key role in… अधिक पढ़ें
Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has slammed Virat Kohli’s critics after the right-hander continued his… अधिक पढ़ें