ISL 2021-22: We are still in a good position – Mumbai City FC’s Des Buckingham

Mumbai City FC head coach Des Buckingham reckons his team is still in a good position in the ongoing Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 despite being not at their best in the recent past. The reigning champions have been on a winless streak in their last five matches as they have lost three and have drawn two games.

The Islanders had made a promising start to their campaign as they had won five out of their first six matches. Mumbai City FC is currently in fifth place in the standings with five wins, two draws and four losses in their 11 matches.

Des Buckingham stated that it is crucial for the team to finish strongly in their last nine matches of the league phase.

Des Buckingham said in the pre-match press conference, “I mentioned it at the start of the season, it’s about putting ourselves in a good position. We won the first five out six games and played some wonderful football. The last four or five games I feel we played good football but couldn’t manage to win. We are still in a good position. So, with nine games to go we have to make sure we finish the season as strong as possible”.

Meanwhile, Mumbai City’s last two matches were postponed due to Covid-19 cases in the league. Buckingham added that we are lucky to be playing in these testing times of the pandemic.

Buckingham added, “Yes there certainly is (on gratitude of playing). When you look around to see the impact of Covid-19, a lot of the people are in worse situations. First, to be able to get out and play the sport that is our career, we are fortunate to be able to do that. We have to make sure when the games come around we are ready”.

Mumbai City has replaced Ygor Catatau with Diego Mauicio and Buckingham revealed that the latter will bring something different to the table.

He concluded, “I think Catatau was a wonderful young man who did well for the club. Now, with Diego coming in, he showcased his abilities last year with Odisha FC. He can not only score goals but also link up the game in the final third. We are looking forward to working with him when he gets out of quarantine. We needed something different and Diego brings something different”.

Mumbai will face NorthEast United on Tuesday.