Kashyap elaborates on the struggle to make changes at Mumbai FC, Steven proud of his armband

SANTOSH KASHYAP AND CAPTAIN OF THE MUMBAI FC TEAM were at the pre-match press conference yesterday where both were answered questions from the pre-season scenario to the I-League-Indian Super League merger from new reponsibilities to team chemistry.

On the merger, Kashyap explained that it was a transition phase of Indian football. Lot of things happening in the process but all have to wait and expect good things to happen at the end of it. We all must hope for a positive end result.

Donning dual responsibilities for the team as a Coach and a Manager. Kashyap shared that he got just three days practice with the entire squad as many were involved with other tournaments like the Indian Super League.

Kashyap shared his view of the merger from a player's point of view saying,

The general Indian player has a tough task to adapt to various styles of play, different team philosophy, gel with different team mates and even different cities. So for players too it is not an easy job. The merger will look to settle all this things.

Santosh Kashyap came into the club after Khalid Jamil's parted ways with Mumbai FC after many years. He accepted that he needed to change any things to get his style into the team and it surely cam with some challenges. He went on to say,

"Khalid did a great job here. He's a young coach... during his time Mumbai FC's main aim was to avoid relegation and he accomplished that despite several limitations and challenges. Then the management decided to go to the next level, giving me the opportunity to be here... and there have been challenges. It's natural for things to be that way at a club that has had the same coach for 6-7 years, and the management has also remained the same. So they have a certain mindset. That is something I have to change, and I'm working on it everyday. I'm thankful to the management, they are listening to me. And I'm able to convince them to bring in stuff like GPS system, ice bath... thanks to Venugopal who has done a great job for us. The internal negotiations between the management and me I can't share, so all I'll say is I'm thankful for getting to do the many changes that will make this a better club. We want to be among the top 3 in the league, but I also need tools to do that. How am I going to accomplish such a feat without adequate tools? So I try my best, and they understand. Thanks to Mr Badgamiya, my staff Prashant and others... I'm just a coach, I can't do everything myself on and off the field. But things are happening, it's going good so far."

Steven Dias on the big responsibility on his shoulders as the Mumbai FC captain felt honoured to take up the task of heading the team. He shared,

"I had never expected to lead the team and extremely happy after the announcement was made. The kind of environment at Mumbai FC makes me feel like every player knows his responsibility so there is no pressure on me as a captain."

On a lighter note, Kashyap added that Steven is yet to receive any responsibility only being announced as a captain and there is a lot coming his way gradually to come as a captain he enjoys his captaincy term.

Kashyap also shared his idea behind having the open trials for the club saying,

"When I arrived in the July-August period there were hardly any players available. So thought it would be best to pick local players to be inducted in the team through open selection trials. Therefore, the trials were held in September and more than 200 players appeared for the trials,out of whom around 17 were selected including former players. Some were dropped and remaining youngsters will be seen soon in action."

On their first opposition of the new season, Kashyap heaped praises on DSK Shivajians saying

"To have one of the best infrastructure in the country with both artificial and natural turf grounds. They were a well organised set-up and do work with a plan in sight and have signed their foreigners in the squad playing together since months. With the signings from ISL, I see them a great side and expects an entertaining match today."

Manager Kashyap said that Allan Dias will miss the game due to hamstring injury in training.

Captain Steven shared the mood in the dressing room after some players leaving and new players who are now part of the team.He said,

"The chemistry is great between players and there are no differences among players even though they have come from different tournaments or states."

Kashyap added that his coaching involves a lot of ice breaking excercises to get the players gel as early as possible as it is a team game.

On the players who did not make it to the team from the open trails into the senior team, what was in it for them, Kashyap said that the Under 20 side have formed the reserve team but were free to move to other teams.

To the fans, Kashyap sent a message,

"Join in huge numbers for the only team from Mumbai and there is a promise of attacking, effective football and value for the money to watch the team play"

Steven Dias extended a special thanks to the Mumbai FC fan group, the Yellow Brigade to continue the great work as last year to keep the team going.

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