ISL 2020-21 | Pep Guardiola congratulates Mumbai City FC for winning ISL Shield

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on Monday congratulated City Football Group owned sister-club Mumbai City FC for topping the league stage of the Indian Super League.

Mumbai City won their final League stage match against ATK Mohun Bagan by a 2-0 scoreline to win the ISL Shield. They finished with 40 points at the end of the league stage, which was equal to ATK Mohun Bagan’s points tally but the Islanders won the league stage on account of better goal difference. As a result, the Islanders also became only the second Indian club to qualify for the group stage of the AFC Champions League.

Guardiola described Sergio Lobera and Mumbai City’s success as an incredible achievement.

“It is part of the CFG family,” Guardiola said in a press conference.

“Now comes the play-off. Hopefully, they can do well,” he added.

“Congratulations to all the people. Every league is tricky and when you win it is well deserved,” he said.

Mumbai City’s forwards played a great role in their success this season. Adam Le Fondre finsihed as the top scorer for the side with 11 goals to his name, whereas the likes of Bartholomew Ogbeche and Bipin Singh scored eight and five goals respectively as well. Bipin was a revelation this season as he supplied four assists in addition to his five goals as well.

Hugo Boumous was the creator-in-chief from the midfield as he amassed a total of seven assists and scored two goals himself as well. Centre back Mourtada Fall played a crucial role too as he contributed with three goals to the side.

City Football Group bought 65 per cent stake in the ISL club in 2019. The majority stakeholders of CFG are Abu Dhabi United Group.

As far as things for Manchester City are considered, they look all set to win the Premier League title this season as they have a 12-point lead at the top of the table from second-placed Manchester United with just 12 games to go.