ISL 2018 | Jorge Costa expects MCFC to return to winning ways

In the aftermath of the FC Goa disaster, Mumbai goalkeeper Amrinder Singh will be under fire, but he can take solace in the fact that two of the goals were impeccably angled, the trajectory compelling enough to breach through any ‘keeper’s defences. Matías Mirabaje will also be in the spotlight as it will make for a curious play as to how he fares against his former club.

Dynamos assistant coach Mridul Banerjee commented, “Mumbai City did not lose the game, FC Goa won it and all the goals were good. Mumbai got chances but did not convert.” Truly enough, Mumbai had a good first half but could not capitalize on the back of it, their lack of confidence from the previous games’ results showing up in the second half. Mumbai succumbed to insufficient intensity as Goa built their slim first-half lead into an unassailable one.

Costa is not unaware of the disappointing reception by the fans at the Mumbai Football Club and as a coach who understands his side’s obligation as entertainers, he said, “We must respect first our job, we must respect the work and we must also respect the fans. We cannot give up. In the last 15-20 minutes, we gave up. As a professional footballer, you don’t give up.”

All eyes will be on Francisco Dorronsoro, who has had a terrific glovework display for the Dynamos, the highlight being the draw salvaging save against Chennaiyin FC in the last game. He has now saved 14 goals in the tournament, the highest for any side. Mumba’s midfield of Modou Sougou, Paolo Machado, Arnold Sissoko and striker Pranlal Bhumij will have their work cut out to find a way through Dorronsoro, who along with the Dynamos’ defense line-up has eked out three draws in four games.