Mumbai City FC left-back Mandar Rao Dessai has revealed that the club is preparing for AFC Champions League in a different way. The Islanders will face Saudi Arabia-based club Al-Shabab at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday.
Dessai understands that the level of the tournament will be higher than the Hero ISL as the opposition players will be stronger. Thus, Mumbai City FC will have their work cut in order to go a long way in the competition.
On the other hand, Mumbai City FC failed to qualify for the semifinals in the recently concluded ISL season as they finished in fifth place. The Islanders could only manage 31 points from their 20 games and thus failed to defend their title.
Asked about the team’s preparation before the big clash, Rao Dessai said in the pre-match press conference, “Yeah, it is completely different from our league games. This is at a different level, it is the Champions League. The quality is better and I think we have to prepare in a different way. All the players are excited and just waiting for the first game, so that we can do better.”
The winger added that their aim is to try to give their best every season and win games for their team.
He added, “Yes, whenever we start a season, you know, we always expect to give our best throughout the season. We want our team to perform well and help the team to win games. I think that’s the most important thing for me. Whenever I get my chance, I think I have given my best and that has always been my goal. In the AFC Champions League also, I have the same goals.”
Dessai added that the players are excited and are looking forward to the challenge. He said his team will want to start the campaign on a winning note.
Dessai concluded, “All the players are really excited as I said before, so we want to start the campaign on a good note, in a positive way, so that we get some positive results in the competition. That’s what all the fans want from us. So, right now we are just looking forward to the first game. We have been preparing for the last two three weeks and it’s been good playing two friendlies. Now, it is time for the games, so we are ready for it.”
