ISL 2017: MCFC coach Guimaraes hopes to have a good game vs NEUFC

MUMBAI CITY FC take on NorthEast United tonight away from home. MCFC suffered defeat in their previous encounter against ATK and will want get back to winning ways.

Coach Alexandre Guimaraes spoke about playing their second match within 72 hours, he said,

"We have at least 72 hours. The problem is when you have less than 72 hours. Good thing is that we arrived at least two days before and we can have a good practice on a good ground. I think this period of free days is usual in football nowadays. The problem is when you have less than 72 hours or when you have to travel a long way to play. We are happy to be here. This is one of the best pitches in India. The fans here are also fantastic. I hope that tonight we can have a good game."

In the previous match against ATK, youngster Pranjal Bhumij played his role, coming in as a substitute. The coach was impressed with him and said,

"It was a shame that he didn’t arrive at the time that he had to arrive. The moment that he arrived, every day, every practice he shows the fire. He wants to be a professional player and he wants to play. He has no fear, he wants the ball. So I was just waiting for an opportunity to give him this possibility. He did very well. It’s not easy to make a first appearance in a tough game and he did very well. He’s knocking the door. Every day he asks for more and more. He has a very bright future for him and Indian football."

Sharing his assessment of the season so far, he said,

"First of all, I think the two new teams that arrived have shown that it is good for ISL to have them. They have shown good things. After the first five games, the teams are very equal. No matter if there are many goals, the scores are very close. Also for the local players, it’s a good opportunity to have more playing time. Of course, that makes the game also change a little bit. All of them are trying to improve a lot. All the teams are having this period of practice which we didn’t have in the past and it’s good. How they organize the fixtures is something they can improve on. The level of football is good and the entertainment is there. It is good for football promotion in India."

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