Mumbai, Dec 31 (FN Agency) Mumbai City FC head coach Peter Kratky expressed disappointment afterhis side suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat to NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL)match here. The match at the Mumbai Football Arena started disastrously for the home side on Monday night as Alaaeddine Ajaraie struck within the first minute. Ajaraie doubled his tally in the 83rd minute before Macarton Nickson added a third just three minutes later. NorthEast United FC showcased clinical finishing and effective counter-attacking football, leaving Mumbai City FC struggling to recover. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Kratky said, “For me, it was a very bad performance, and NorthEastUnited FC outclassed us today. From the first minute, they scored goals, and that changed everything. You know, you can try, the boys will try, but NorthEastUnited FC was better today in every aspect.” Reflecting on the early setback, Kratky highlighted the need for better preparation and focus. “When we look at the game backwards and do our jobs as coaches in terms of preparation, we know that NorthEastUnited FC scored 15 goals in transition. And on Monday night, they scored another three in transition, and the first one was in 45 seconds,” he noted. “So, we prepared for that, but again, we need to be focused more on maybe the details of what actually can happen and how often it can happen in our squad. So, we need to learn from it. Me,as a coach, I’m reflecting on myself first,” Kratky said.
The Islanders, who had gone into the match with four clean sheets, struggled to implement their usual style of play. Kratky admitted, “It is harder because they (NorthEastUnited FC) play away, you score a goal. And they’re a good team, so they’re in the top six. They have strength, they have quality. But it’s always tough with us. Our preparation, focus, what can happen to us and how quickly. So it’s always setbacks. We don’t want to concede.” “We have four clean sheets for a reason. And today we conceded three goals for a reason. So we have to look at the details of the play, what went wrong all of a sudden. Again, if it’s personal or ifit’s just an attitude, preparation, what is it,” he said.Kratky also highlighted the defensive struggles of the team and urged to not blame TP Rehenesh,the goalkeeper. “On Monday night, he saved the penalty. He’s a good keeper, we know that. Unfortunately, he conceded three goals, but it was a team effort. I never blame only goalkeepers, so it’s a team effort. How we defend, how we come back. So, you know, he’s a good goalkeeper like Phurba Lachenpa is. I’m glad I have two, so now they can push each other. So we will see what happens next game. But again, I think he had a good game. We need to support him. He’s a good goalkeeper. So we will see what the future brings,” Kratky said.
Despite the loss, Kratky insisted the team must stay committed to improvement. “We need to work harder on and off the pitch. We need to understand where we are as a quality, as a team, and not think it will happen on their own because we play at home or because we won a couple of games. It’s not going to happen this season. We need to play quicker. We need to move sharper, and get better positioning. So we penetrate, and that’s how it is. We have to regroup. The only way from bad performances is to work and keep going,” he said.Kratky also touched on the need for accountability and introspection within the squad. “For the players, again, we need to learn. It’s learning opportunities. We still have a lot of games to play and a lot of points in a draw. So we can gain a lot of points…That’s the most important. I know where the problem is. I know how to fix it. But it takes time sometimes. But we start tomorrow and try to fix it and do our best to do so. I am part of the team. I am one of them. So we will have to start with the coaching staff and everyone. We regroup. Stay positive. There are a lot of points to play for,” he said. Mumbai City FC will now aim to bounce back as they prepare to face East Bengal FC in their nextISL fixture.