Petr Kratky ‘proud’ of the team after win against Hyderabad FC in ISL 2024-25, says they played to win

Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky was proud of his team after their 1-0 win against Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai on Saturday. Mehtab Singh scored from a header to put his team in front in the 29th minute.

The Islanders had 54.4% possession and the home team took four shots on target. Petr Kratky’s team suffered a 3-0 win against Punjab FC in their last game and thus it was important for Mumbai City to bounce back to winning ways.

“We reacted very well. We got together, we re-grouped, and they showed it in the first half. The first half, for me, was very good. We won 1-0, but then later, when substitutions came, you saw from your team that we played to win. Not necessarily the football that we all wanted to see, but we played to win,” Kratky said during the post-match press conference.

Mumbai City has registered three wins in the ongoing season and they are in sixth place in the standings with 13 points. Kratky was proud of the way they bounced back after receiving a thrashing against the Shers.

“I’m very proud of the boys because it’s not easy after a 3-0 defeat in four days to bounce back, you know, because Hyderabad FC are a good team. They’re proving it, they’re getting better, and they can beat everyone, so it’s not easy.”

“But once it’s not enough, we need to just link it to the other games and fight for other points,” the head coach stated.

Meanwhile, Yoell van Nieff and Jeremy Manzorro were sidelined due to injuries whereas Toral and Sahil Panwar were forced off during the match.

“Injuries are part of football. But there are people, as I said, there are people who are waiting for a chance, and they’re good enough to perform. So that’s why I’m here. Sometimes you have to wait. So, how we deal with that, is the same. We get the boys ready,” he commented.

Mumbai City FC will next take on Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Thursday.