Mumbai City, Atletico de Kolkata show respect to each other

MUMBAI: Mumbai City FC’s winning run in the Hero Indian Super League will be seriously challenged by former champions Atletico de Kolkata in an interesting third round clash at Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai, on Tuesday.

Mumbai City FC won their first two matches without conceding a goal, and although both victories were achieved by a single goal, coach Alexandre Guimaraes should be pleased with the clean sheets. Atletico de Kolkata are also unbeaten. Having drawn the opening game against Chennaiyin FC, the former champions bounced back in style to put it across Kerala Blasters.

“We are all quite pleased with the start to the season. It’s a totally different feeling that the team and fans have. The echo from the other teams is also different; they are thinking this is going to be a different season for Mumbai City. It’s good but we know that we have just started. In such a league, you have to stay alert. There is not much time to celebrate or cry. You have to be competitive always,” said the Costa Rican coach who has made fans believe in the team again.

There will not be any easy games in the ISL as the difference between all teams is minimal. With two victories under his belt, Guimaraes will be bristling with confidence but knows that Atletico de Kolkata will provide them with the toughest challenge.

“Tomorrow is a tough game against a good team that retained players from last season, particularly foreigners. They have a good knowledge of each other. We have to continue to play our game and remain focused. We have to be solid and compact,” said Guimaraes.

The visitors were full of praise for the league’s pace-setters with coach Jose Molina insisting that the clash between two teams with similar playing styles should be an interesting one.

“We know we are here to play against a strong team. They played two matches, won both, six points and two clean sheets. That’s a very good beginning for Mumbai. We want to play our game (against Mumbai). We have similar styles and it will be an interesting match,” said Molina.

Mumbai City marquee Diego Forlan has had a hand, or rather leg, in both goals for his team. The former Uruguay striker and Mumbai City marquee created the only goal of the match in their opening clash and then scored a second-half penalty in the next clash. Atletico de Kolkata, however, have not drawn up any special plans for the star striker.

“There is no special plan (for Diego Forlan). I don’t like to focus on one player. I think they have good players in attack, midfield and defence. I like my team defending as a team, together, and against a team, not one or two players. We know how to defend,” said Molina.