Overview:
SC East Bengal will play their second match against Mumbai City FC, who had qualified for playoff twice in the history of Indian Super League. However, things have changed drastically in Mumbai City FC after they were knocked out by Chennaiyin FC last year in group league. Now Mumbai City FC have tied up with City Football Group, the world’s leading private owner and operator of football clubs, which is best known for its ownership of English Premier League Champions, Manchester City FC, also comprises New York City in the US, Melbourne City FC in Australia, Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, Club Atletico Torque in Uruguay, Girona FC in Spain and Sichuan Jiuniu FC in China.
Mumbai City FC head into the seventh edition of the Indian Super League as a significantly strengthened unit. The Islanders made major changes to their setup after the City Football Group takeover.
Coaches:
They had appointed Sergio Lobera as Head Coach, The Spaniard has a wealth of coaching experience in leagues around the world in a career spanning almost 25 years. Lobera has managed clubs in Spain, Morocco and in India and also had a spell as assistant manager of FC Barcelona in 2012. Lobera was most recently Head Coach at FC Goa, winning the Super Cup in 2019. Last Year FC Goa played a beautiful attacking brand football under Lobera. Now as he takes charge of Mumbai City FC, he acquired quite a few key players from his former side FC Goa.
The management has retained consistent performers such as goalie Amrinder Singh, midfielders Rowllin Borges and Raynier Fernandes, and defender Sarthak Golui to ensure a well-balanced setup, which is the team’s biggest strength.
The management recruited a whole new set of foreigners and some promising domestic talents too.
Defenders:
The Signing of 28-year old Goan, Mandar Rao Dessai, had strengthen the defense of the Metropolis team. The inclusion of Senegalese defender, Mourtada Fall will boost the confidence of the team at defense. Moreover, he has earned a tag as a goal scoring defender. The signing of Mehtab Singh, Tondonba Singh, Amey Ranawade will strengthen the side.
Strikers:
The signing of India U-20 striker Vikram Partap Singh ensured that the team has the mixture of youth & experience.However, signing of forward Farukh Choudhary who can play on either side in attack as well as down the middle will bring balance in attack. Striker Adam le Fondre from Sydney FC will bring tons of experience and quality to the Mumbai City FC attack. Islander’s biggest move is the signing of Hugo Boumous from FC Goa, who had an excellent 2019-20 season with the Goan outfit, which saw him win the ISL Golden Ball with 10 goals and 11 assists in 15 appearances. Centre forward Bartholomew Ogbeche, along with Fondre possibly will make the most dangerous striking pair in the history of ISL.
Midfielders:
The signing of midfielder Ahmed Jahouh, PC Rohlupuia will add versatility to the side
Overall the team is looking well balanced and the management is looking forward to make a stormy start in the league with the solid team they had put together.
Defense: 9/10
Midfield: 9/10
Forward: 9/10
Total: 27/30
Foreigners: Mourtada Fall (Centre Back), Ahmed Jahouh (Defender), Hernan Santata (Spain), Hugo Boumous (Midfield), Cy Goddard (Midfield), Adam Le Fondre (Forward), Bartholomew Ogbeche (Forward)
Notable Indian Players: Amrinder Singh (Goal Keeper), Rowllin Borges (Midfielder), Raynier Fernandes (Midfielder), and Sarthak Golui (Defender), Mehtab Singh
Probable Emerging Indian Players: Vikram Partap Singh (Forward),
Source: Mumbai City FC ISL Profile Page
