ISL 2022-23: Des Buckingham’s faith and team’s support key to my good form – Mehtab Singh

Mumbai City FC defender Mehtab Singh credited head coach Des Buckingham’s faith and the team’s support for his good form in the ongoing season. The Islanders are unbeaten so far in the ninth edition of the tournament and they have played against defending champions Hyderabad FC and the previous season league winners Jamshedpur FC.

Mumbai City FC played a 3-3 draw against the reigning champions Hyderabad FC in their opening match of the season. Subsequently, they bested Odisha FC by 2-0 and then went on to share the spoils against Jamshedpur FC with a 1-1 draw.

Mehtab Singh has played an instrumental role in the team’s defense and he has received backing from Des Buckingham.

Singh has been awarded the Hero of the Match in the last two matches against Odisha FC and Jamshedpur. FC

When asked how different it was to play against the two different teams, Singh revealed that they try to back their game while talking to the official website of the ISL.

Mehtab Singh said, “We follow our own style of football that the coach has inculcated in us. We try to focus on ourselves and try to play our football whoever the opponent is. We knew Jamshedpur FC strikers were strong but we knew how to deal with that. We were disappointed with the way we conceded the first goal but we improved after that and dealt with their physicality well and that gives us confidence.”

Singh went on to add that coach’s backing has given him a lot of confidence to deliver the goods for the team.

Singh said, “The fact that the coach trusts you give you a lot of confidence. I have received great support from the team and we are always helping each other so that makes you feel very good.”

Mumbai City FC will next take on Kerala Blasters while playing away from home and it is going to be a challenging match for the team. Singh believes it is imperative for the team to play their own game.

The 24-year-old concluded, “I think it’s very important to play our game. We try to do that whether we play at home or away. Our focus will be on improving the mistakes we made in the last match and trying to be better against Kerala Blasters FC.”