ISL 2023-24: Boys put their bodies on the line and fought, says Mumbai City FC’s Petr Kratky after draw against FC Goa

Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky was delighted with the effort of his players after a 1-1 draw against FC Goa in the 17th match week of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai on Wednesday.

The home team was given the lead by Vikram Partap Singh as he scored right after the first-half break. However, the lead was neutralized by Mohammad Yasir as he scored a scorching goal to help his team share the spoils.

The Islanders dominated the possession with 58% and also took six shots on target and four off target.

With this draw, Mumbai City FC have extended their unbeaten run against FC Goa to ten games.

“We know they (FC Goa) are a quality team. So I think we had a decent first half. We kept a lot of the ball and a lot of possession. And we started the second half very well. We scored a very good goal, through teamwork and a good combination of the cross and finish. It was very good,” stated Kratky in the post-match press conference.

He continued, “And then, FC Goa showed their quality. That’s why they were unbeaten in the first leg of the season.”

Meanwhile, FC Goa was able to put Mumbai City FC under pressure after conceding the first goal. However, the Islanders were able to keep their calm to share a point.

“I don’t feel anxious. I trust the boys. And they put the bodies on the line, they fought. And, you know, we took the point. So it was a very good team spirit in it, and we fought until the end,” he shared when asked if he felt the pressure.

On the other hand, FC Goa’s head coach Manuel Marquez feels his team deserved all three points out of the game.

Speaking on Spaniard’s comments, Kratky said, “I think if you compare both the halves, I think it’s equal. I think it’s a fair point. But if you look at just the last ten minutes, yes, I can feel why the coach (Marquez) feels they should have won because they should have scored.”

Mumbai City FC will next face Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi on Saturday.