Durand Cup 2022: I am very happy with the side that we have – Mumbai City FC head coach Des Buckingham

Mumbai City FC head coach Des Buckingham has admitted that he is really happy with the side he has for the Durand Cup 2022. The tournament started on August 16 and it will give a perfect opportunity for the Islanders to prepare for the upcoming season by performing well in the oldest football tournament in the country.

Mumbai City FC is placed in Group B of the tournament along with East Bengal, ATK Mohun Bagan, Rajasthan United, and the Indian Navy. Mumbai will begin its campaign against the Indian Navy at VYBK Stadium, Kolkata on the 18th of August.

Des Buckingham said in the pre-match press conference, “I am very happy with the side that we have. We have managed to retain a very large core of our playing group since last season. We only changed six players. We still have 10 out of the starting 11 that featured in the last AFC Champions League against the Air Force.”

The Brit added that it is important to get the right players into the squad and maintain the right balance among the Indian and foreign players.

“You try to balance off the development of the Indian players whilst also trying to make that the quality we have within the league and our team is as high as it can be. Wherever the line is drawn about the number of foreigners, I certainly think it’s a good one but it allows seven Indian players on the field. If you get your recruitment right and bring in good foreigners, it should help enhance the development of that group.”

Meanwhile, Mumbai City had a good run in the AFC Champions League as they defeated Iraq’s Air Force team twice. Buckingham added that they will look to continue the same form in Durand Cup.

“For us, its not one or the other. We want to continue where we left off in the Champions League, which was continuing to build our brand of football and give our players the opportunity to showcase what they can do.”

Mumbai City FC squad:

​​Goalkeepers: Phurba Lachenpa, Mohammad Nawaz, Bhaskar Roy.

Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Amey Ranawade, Mehtab Singh, Sanjeev Stalin, Mandar Rao Dessai, Rostyn Griffiths, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Serigne Mourtada Fall, Huidrom Naocha Singh.

Midfielders: Alberto Noguera, Ahmed Jahouh, Rowllin Borges, Vinit Rai, Greg Stewart, Asif Khan, PC Rohlupuia, Apuia Ralte.

Forwards: Vikram Partap Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Gurkirat Singh, Ayush Chhikara, Bipin Singh Thounaojam, Jorge Pereyra Díaz.