ISL 2023-24: Huge credit goes to Des Buckingham – Lallianzuala Chhangte on his improvement

Mumbai City FC’s winger Lallianzuala Chhangte has given credit to head coach Des Buckingham for getting the best out of him in the Indian Super League. Chhangte played an instrumental role in the Islanders’ Hero League Shield triumph in the 2022-23 season, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in the 22 matches he played.

In fact, in the 2021-22 season for Mumbai City FC, Chhangte could not even score a solitary goal in the seven games he played but he was able to turn the tables under the tutelage of Des Buckingham in the next season.

Chhangte feels he made the right decision when he decided to join the Islanders.

“I think I made the right decision when I joined Mumbai City FC. I am not the strongest guy. I have to find where I fit and Mumbai City FC have given me an opportunity to join the club and to play and so huge credit to coach Des. He was trusting me and encouraging me to believe in myself, believe in my ability and this is what keeps me going. So, it is all about continuing the good work,” he said in an interview with the official website of the ISL.

Mumbai City was on a roll in the previous season as they remained unbeaten in their first 18 league stage matches. However, their journey was ended by Bengaluru FC on penalties in the semifinal. Chhangte reckons they could have done a bit better in the last edition.

“I think the best is yet to come, even though we had an amazing season. Making decisions in the final third is where I need to improve a lot. Yes we have had an amazing season but I think we could have done better. I hope and strongly believe that we will do better this year, individually and collectively,” he signed off.

Mumbai City FC will next take on Hyderabad FC at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai on 28th October.