ISL 2017-18: We have the possibility to be in the top four says Guimaraes

MUMBAI CITY FC played an entertaining game at Goa where emerged winners over FC Goa.

Speaking to the media at the post-match press conference, Mumbai City coach Guimaraes shared his thoughts on the match,

“We knew that we had to manage different rhythms during the 90 minutes. And I think, we did well. It doesn’t matter if they (Goa) won the first half. I told my players that we are still in the game, knowing that they will go on to try to score more and continue to play open. So, the game plan was to get an advantage and I am very happy that the players stuck with the plan. We won a very important game because they are a good team and it’s not easy to win here in Goa,”

He continued,

“Because of the way they play, I knew that they would not be satisfied with a draw. So knowing that, like I said before, we continued to stick to our game plan, expecting that some chances will happen.”

On the crucial three away points, Guimaraes, stressed the win was much needed. The Costa Rican said,

“The win was very, very important. First of all, because we knew that we were going to play with a very good team, who had a number of combinations with which they would try to penetrate our defence. So this win puts us back in the fight and we now have the possibility to be in the top four. Of course, this is a huge push in terms of confidence for our players, as we return home on Thursday for the next match. I want our fans to come and pack the stadium because the players need them to push them forward,”

Mumbai City beat the FC Goa twice this season. On that feat the Mumbai coach said,

“It feels very good because we beat them (Goa) twice, both at home and away. It was very important to have a win here as that would be an advantage. We won against an opponent, who is the one closest to us in the table. Now they have to come back as it is not easy to lose a game like this.”

Before leaving, the 58-year-old was asked if he believes the red card shown to Seriton Fernandes early in the second half, gave them an added advantage.

“In the second half, we got a situation which allowed us to control the game better. As soon as we realised the situation post the red card, we made some modifications. We continued to have the possibilities to find them not well-positioned. My players took advantage of the situation,”