Mumbai City FC head coach Des Buckingham happy with Chhangte and Mauricio debut against ATK Mohun Bagan

Mumbai City FC held ATK Mohun Bagan to a 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League as they stretched their winless run to seven matches. David Williams scored the first goal for the Mariners in the ninth minute but a Pritam Kotal own goal restored parity for   Mumbai City FC.

After the 1-1 draw Mumbai City FC head coach Des Buckingham shared his thoughts about the match. The English tactician was proud of his players as they showed great resilience. He highlights how the players have got limited training and have done enough to fight against a quality team like ATK Mohun Bagan.

“I think I’m proud of the players. We’ve been locked in our rooms (since) four days before (the game against) NorthEast (United) all the way through till now, with limited training. I’m very proud of their work-rate and I think that we created enough to win the game. It wasn’t to be, but we have to get ready now for the next one,” said the Englishman.

Mumbai City FC did not start exceptionally well but they caught up with the Mariners as the game progressed. However they still did not figure out a way to end their winless streak. But Buckingham has always suggested that people should judge his team at the end of the season.

“I’ve always said; judge us at the end of the season. It’s not important where you are now. We’re still in a decent space, if you look at the points table. Where we sit, with seven games to play, it’s important that we finish. We’re certainly in a good position to finish as high as we can,” explained the coach.

Diego Mauricio and Lallianzuala Chhangte made their debut for the Islanders. Buckingham highlighted how both Mauricio and Chhangte showed quality and was delighted with their performances.

“Yes, for Diego; (he has) done well. You know he hasn’t played for over a month, so it was always the plan to try and ease him in. That’s why he came off on 45 minutes because we need to build him up. Igor’s (Angulo) been away for a couple of days, so we’ve had to bring him back in as well. So, very pleased with those two. Vikram (Pratap Singh) played very well last week and bringing Chhangte in, he showed real good signs of why we brought him in,” Des Buckingham explained.

Mumbai City FC will now take on Chennaiyin FC as both teams aim to get back on winning ways for the final playoffs push.