ISL 2023-24: I am extremely happy with the result – Des Buckingham after win against NorthEast United FC

Mumbai City head coach Des Buckingham was delighted after they defeated NorthEast United FC by 2-1 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, in Guwahati, on Sunday. Pereyra Diaz scored a brace for the Islanders as the previous season’s League Shield champions got three crucial points to make a winning start to their campaign.

Diaz gave visitors the lead in the 25th minute but Parthib Gogoi scored the equalizer for the Highlanders after six minutes. However, the Argentine once again scored in the 37th minute for the tourists.

“I think when we look back at this (result) later on in the season, we will realise how important these three points are or will be,” Buckingham said in the official post-match press conference.

“I think coming here, first game of the season, a lot of travel for us as well, but to come here against what is very different NorthEast (side). We knew they were going to be strong and from what I have just seen on the pitch there, we have had to do a lot to come away with this result, which I’m extremely happy with but I have no doubt that – NorthEast United FC will cause a lot of problems, certainly at home,” he explained.

The Englishman added that it is imperative for the players to have sharpness in their game to get the desired results.

“It is more about sharpness for us now. The more games we play, same as last year, probably after three or four games, (when we played against Kerala Blasters FC) when we had that sharpness that allowed us to do well. That will come,” Buckingham stated.

“This is just our second game after the AFC Champions League game, the other night and now it’s about making sure that we keep our squad as fresh and fit as we can,” he added.

Praising Diaz for his brace, Buckingham said, “We know we’re a very different team with Diaz when he plays, not just because of his finishing, but the way he presses and understands how we want to play. He’s a very important player alongside, obviously, the others that work so well with him, like they did last year.”

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