Mumbai City return to the Mumbai Football Arena on 1st March for their third Indian Super League fixture of the season against NorthEast United FC, aiming to build on a composed start to the campaign.
The Islanders have opened the season with two consecutive 1-0 victories, collecting six points while maintaining back-to-back clean sheets. Head Coach Petr Kratky acknowledged the strong beginning but stressed the importance of sustaining momentum. “It was a very good start to the season for us. But these next games will be crucial in deciding which direction the teams will go,” he said. “Every game this season will be like a final. We have to go one game at a time.”
With a full week between fixtures, the squad has benefited from a structured training cycle. “It is important to have a normal micro cycle so we can work with the group properly,” he explained. “We can put tactical, physical and technical work in. The players need to be mentally and physically ready to compete.”
Defensive discipline has been a defining feature of the Islanders’ early results. Goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa credited the collective effort behind the clean sheets. “A clean sheet is not only about the defenders or about me. Everyone defends together and attacks together,” he said. “It is teamwork and everyone’s effort that helped us get six points.”
Looking ahead to the opposition, Kratky emphasised respect and preparedness. “We know NorthEast United is a very good team. They can hurt us if we let them,” he stated. “If the players are disciplined, humble and with a good attitude going into the game, we will achieve what we want to achieve.”
With goal difference potentially decisive in a shortened season, attention to detail remains critical. “Every goal matters. Every goal conceded and every goal scored is important,” Kratky added. “Small details will matter this season.” Phurba also underlined the broader ambition. “When we start the season, the team goal is to win the ISL Shield,” he said. “Personally, I want to help as much as possible and play for the team.”
Mumbai City are poised to extend their winning run at home and continue strengthening their position in the early stages of the campaign. With the kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM on Sunday, it will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and streamed on Fancode. Live updates will be available on the club’s official X handle, @MumbaiCityFC.
