Mumbai City had their pre-match press conference yesterday, with Petr Kratky and Joni Kauko answering questions ahead of their match against Inter Kashi. Both sides have had stop-start beginnings to their season, but both also have the ability to turn their fortunes around. Here are Kratky and Kauko’s thoughts ahead of the game.
Petr Kratky on Inter Kashi
Both sides have had similar fortunes coming in to the game. Mumbai have secured two wins and two draws, while Inter Kashi have a win, two draws, and a loss under their belt. However, one can also argue that Mumbai City have had the easier fixture list of the two sides. Despite Inter Kashi being a newly promoted team, Kratky was clear about not going to take them for granted, but also backed his side’s ability going forward to come to the fore.
“They’re a very good team. They are in the ISL for a reason. They get promoted. They have a very good coach. They are very well drilled. So, they’re defensively very strong. So, we’re preparing accordingly to that to make sure we are on the game and we will fight from the start.”
“I believe in our team where we can create the chances and score goals. It’s all about approach. So, if we have good attitude and we want to play football, we want to play forward and we want to get in the box, we will create the chances. I believe we have the ability to do it.”
Joni Kauko on returning to India, and on facing ex-club Inter Kashi
This is going to be Joni Kauko’s second stint in India, and for the third club. He played the previous season for Inter Kashi, in their eventual I-League title win. The midfielder spoke about his experience back in India, and going up against his old club.
“I’m really excited to be here. So far, it’s been really nice. All the players, the whole club, they took me in really well. Also, I had the chance to do some photoshoots with the fans as well, and they were really welcoming. So far, everything is good. I’m really happy to be here and I’m really happy that I get the chance to represent this club.”
“Yeah, I mean, obviously, I know the club really well. I know the drill, what they’re doing, at least what they are trying to do. I know the coach well. So, in that case, it’s nice to face them, see what they will bring.”
The difference between Kauko’s previous stints in India and his current one is it comes after a short six-month stint in Finland with KTP. Kauko discussed his readaptation to the Indian conditions as well.
“Yeah, obviously it helps a lot. It’s not easy when you come from minus 25 degrees to plus 40 degrees so it’s a little bit of change in climate. Of course, after many years in India you know what you’re coming to and you know what to expect regarding the climate, food, everything. So, it wasn’t a surprise for me. That’s why it was much, much easier to join the team in many ways.”
Petr Kratky on injury updates
Mumbai have had a notable absence in Jorge Ortiz, but Dhruv Alva was also an absentee for the club, having not been sighted in action since the Super Cup. Kratky gave an update on both their fitness, and a reason to Alva’s absence.
“Yes, both Ortiz and Dhruv, obviously Dhruv got injured during the training session so he was a little while out. That was the reason. Ortiz is now recovering very well. I’m very happy with his progress. We have still two trainings to go but everyone is working very well and they are getting back. I’m very excited about that and let’s see what they can do for us for the next game.”
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