ISL 2023-24: Expectations are the hardest part for a new coach – Mumbai City FC’s Petr Kratky

Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky believes lofty expectations are the hardest part for a new coach. Kratky took over the coaching reins from Des Buckingham and it was a challenging task for the Czech-Australian coach.

The Islanders were the League Shield champions in the previous season under the tutelage of Buckingham. Meanwhile, Kratky has done a fine job in getting the best out of the players and has played a key role in the success of the team.

Mumbai City FC was on the cusp of retaining their League Shield trophy but lost to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. However, the Islanders won the first-leg semifinal against FC Goa by 3-2 and will look to continue the good show while playing at home on Monday.

“When I reached Mumbai airport, I was told that I had to board another plane to go to Goa for the next match,” he told Scroll in an interview.

“There were challenges, especially coming in after a successful coach (Des Buckingham),” Kratky said.

He continued, “I think that is the hardest part for the new coach, the expectations. You have to get people to adjust but also believe in yourself. In the transition, you just need to show them who you are.”

Kratky had earlier coached Melbourne City FC and the gaffer said that stint really helped him in growing as a coach.

“I think that background really helped because I had already had thousands of conversations with players between ages 15 and 20,” Kratky said.

He added, “When they were injured or coming back from injury, or when they are struggling to get through the first team, or when they are on the bench or not selected. That transition is very difficult for a player and so they need to be guided through those hard times.”

“But it is a process for two or three years and does not happen overnight. We have to manage our emotions. That’s why that background really helped,” he concluded.