ISL 2023-24: Everyone had the belief that we could comeback – Rahul Bheke after ISL Cup triumph

Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke said everyone was optimistic that they could come back against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata on Saturday.

Jason Cummings was able to put the Mariners in front as he scored at the cusp of half-time. However, the visitors were able to bounce back as Jorge Pereyra equalized eight minutes into the second half.

Boris Singh then scored in the 81st minute to put the Islanders in front whereas Jakub Vojtus scored in the stoppage time.

“I think we learned from the mistake that happened in the (League) Shield (decider) game. So the coach wanted us to play in a certain way and we didn’t play at that time. So in the final, everyone was very much sure what we have to do right from the first minute. You could have seen that in the first minute only the way everyone was playing. So I think that was the reason, I think that we got the win and we did that till the 90th minute,” stated Bheke while speaking to www.indiansuperleague.com after their ISL Cup glory.

Meanwhile, Bheke amassed 48 clearances, seven blocks, and 25 interceptions in his 23 matches this season while helping his team keep a clean sheet on eight occasions. He has further managed to win 21 tackles and 74 duels.

Bheke further said, “Because each and everyone was having that belief (that we could come back). You know, when we went to half-time, we went to the dressing room, the way we played the first half, we just wanted to continue that same thing in the second half, and we were sure that we would get the goal.”

Elucidating on Mumbai City FC’s philosophy, he added, “About the philosophy, like we have done that, you know, from these past three seasons. Coaches have told us (what to do), like when Des (Buckingham) was here or when Petr (Kratky) sir came. So we did according to them, how we have to play. And just about the games like semifinal games, final game, these are totally different games. There are games where you have to manage sometimes. So even the coach told us that there will be time where you have to manage the game. It won’t be always the way we want to play. Sometimes you have to manage it and I think today we did that and we got that.”

“I had that belief. You know, the players in the dressing room, everyone was confident and positive. Even when we conceded we didn’t give them any chances in the first half and the way we were playing, that was the positive thing and everyone knew that if we continue the same way in the second half, we will get that goal. And I think in the first five, seven minutes we got that first goal. So everything changed from there,” he shared.

Mumbai City FC came up with a collective performance as they clinched their second ISL title.