Mumbai City’s Des Buckingham feels that the denied penalty changed the outcome of the game against Kerala Blasters

Mumbai City FC suffered a 3-1 win against Kerala Blasters in what was a virtual playoff in the Indian Super League. Goals from Sahal Abdul Samad, Adrian Luna and Alvaro Vazquez mean that the Yellow Army have the advantage over the defending champions heading into the last fixture for both clubs.

Kerala Blasters now have a two-point lead over the Islanders and will face the underwhelming FC Goa, whereas Mumbai City will take on Hyderabad FC. So currently Mumbai City’s fate depends on other results going their way given that they win their last match against the Nizams.

Head coach Des Buckingham was visibly disappointed at the post match press conference as he now urged his team to focus on the last match against Hyderabad FC. The defending champions need to win that game to even remain in contention for the top four spots.

Reflecting on the game, Buckingham highlighted how the defeat takes away everything from their hands and puts Kerala Blasters in the driver’s seat. He said, “Yeah, it takes out of our hands. We come into this game knowing that if we won the game we qualify. We also knew if we got a point it takes it to the final one. So now it’s not in our hands. So, we just need to now focus on beating Hyderabad FC and hope the FC Goa can do us a favour against Kerala Blasters.

He highlights how they were denied a clear penalty in the first half, something that he feels would have changed the narrative of the match.

“The major blow for us was the penalty that wasn’t given to us earlier in the half. I think you get that decision, we had a lot of this year where they haven’t been given. You go 1-0 and it changes the total outcome of the game and that’s taking nothing away from Kerala Blasters. KBFC won the game and won it well, 3-1. We tried having to go in second half we changed a few things and again, it was a mistake that cost us a third goal and almost sealed the result,” Buckingham explained.

Des Buckingham and Ivan Vukomanovic had long chats before and after the game. It was fascinating for the viewers as they saw two coaches talking on the touchline. When asked Buckingham revealed that they were conveying the mutual respect that they have for each other. He highlights how he has spoken with Owen Coyle and Manolo Marquez as well and feels that it is refreshing to talk to such people especially when they are in a bubble.

“It’s just mutual respect, when you’ve got an excellent coach and an excellent person in Ivan, who led this team and led it very well. If you get the opportunity to speak with those types of people, you know, and it’s not just Ivan and we try and do that across the leaque. I spent some time with Owen Coyle and Marquez. You know, when you get chance to speak to those people, especially when you’re out of your bubble very few times. It’s always nice to speak to those people,” the Englishman signed off.