Mumbai City FC is poised for another strong season in the Indian Super League (ISL), according to head coach Petr Kratky. The Czech coach, who joined the club in December 2023, is confident in the team’s ability to contend for the title, citing the development of young players and the arrival of experienced reinforcements.
Kratky believes that at least four players currently on the Mumbai City FC roster have the potential to represent the Indian national team in the future. He is eager to provide opportunities for these young players to showcase their skills and develop into key players for the club and the country. One such player who has already made a significant impact is Vikram Partap Singh. The 22-year-old midfielder enjoyed a breakout season in 2023-24, making 23 appearances and contributing 12 goals, earning him the ‘Emerging Player of the Season’ award.
Kratky’s philosophy emphasizes three key areas: winning games, playing attractive football, and developing Indian players. He believes that providing opportunities for young players is crucial, even if it means they don’t always get immediate playing time. “It’s one of the hardest things for them, and for me too, because timing is important,” he explains. “It’s all about them being resilient when they are not playing, not getting selected. We’ll try to have them in training, and have individual plans for them.”
Kratky sees Mohun Bagan Super Giant as one of the main contenders for the ISL title alongside Mumbai City FC. The two teams will face each other in the season opener, a rematch of last year’s final which saw Mumbai City FC triumph 3-1. Despite Mohun Bagan Super Giant reaching the final of the Durand Cup, Kratky feels that Mumbai City FC’s pre-season preparations in Thailand were just as valuable.
The Mariners have undergone a significant roster overhaul, with several key players departing. Kratky acknowledges that he can’t control player movement, but he remains excited to work with the new players and see how they integrate into the team. One notable arrival is Brandon Fernandes, a talented Indian international midfielder who joins from FC Goa. Kratky is excited to see what Fernandes can bring to the team, saying, “We are excited about him, can’t wait to see him play. He’s doing great in training and hopefully he will contribute to the team as he has done at FC Goa.”
Another key player for Mumbai City FC is Syrian defender Thaer Krouma, who recently signed an extension with the club. Krouma, who captained Syria to a 3-0 victory over India in the Intercontinental Cup, brings leadership and experience to the backline. Kratky praises his abilities, stating, “He’s a leader, he works hard. Unfortunately, he played against India, which lost. He has a lot of ability, and we’re happy that we have him.”
With a blend of young talent, experienced players, and a clear vision from their coach, Mumbai City FC are well-positioned to compete for the ISL title this season. The season opener against Mohun Bagan Super Giant is sure to be a thrilling affair, setting the stage for a captivating and competitive campaign.
