The perennial underachievers of the Indian Super League (ISL), Mumbai City FC are gearing up for yet another challenging season hoping to improve on their last season’s showing.
The Islanders will be aiming for nothing short than the ISL title when they kick off their campaign in the sixth edition of the glamourous league by taking on Kerala Blasters in Kochi on October 24.
Last season, Mumbai were in blistering form, finishing third behind Bengaluru FC and FC Goa in the league stage with 30 points from 18 matches. However, their impressive campaign ended in the play-offs after a heartbreaking 1-5 loss to the eventual runners-up Goa.
Going into the new season, Mumbai have bolstered their attack and midfield by bringing in some quality players, both foreign and local. The other teams in the fray will write Mumbai off at their peril, for, the newly assembled squad have the right mix of youth and experience.
Fine attacking unit
Their attacks will be orchestrated by the African duo of Modou Sougou and Amine Chermiti. Sougou, who joined Mumbai on loan from English Championship side Sheffield last year, was their top-scorer with 12 goals. The 34-year-old goal-poacher has also played for Ligue 1 heavyweights Marseille apart from representing Senegal 12 times.
The 31-year-old Chermiti is being brought in as a direct replacement for Brazilian Rafael Bastos, one of their outstanding performers last year. Having played in the continental club championships of Africa, Asia and Europe, Chermiti also holds the record of being the first Tunisian to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League.
Versatile midfield
Portuguese Paulo Machado, who has regular first-team appearances with FC Porto under his belt, will once again be entrusted with the task of marshaling the midfield. The 33-year-old has represented the Portuguese national team six times between 2010 and 2013.
Throw in Brazilian Diego Carlos de Oliveira, Tunisian Mohamed Larbi, former Gabon international Serge Kevyn, and Indian international Rowllin Borges, who won high praises for his last season’s performance for NorthEast United FC, Mumbai definitely have a very impressive bunch of players in the heart of the field.
Their midfield also comprises local talents Bipin Singh, Bidyanada Singh, Mohammed Rafique, Pranjal Bhumij, Raynier Fernandez, Sourav Das, Surchandra Singh, and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy.
Limited options in defence
Although coach Jorge Costa does not have too many defensive options to choose from, Mumbai definitely possess the resources to protect their backline. However, they will sorely miss Arnold Issoko, the Congolese right-back who played a major part in their march into semifinals last year.
Croatian Mato Grjic will marshal the team’s central defence in the company of former Jameshdpur FC player Pratik Choudhari, and India’s Under-17 World Cup star Anwar Ali.
The other Indian defenders signed by Mumbai for the 2019-20 season are Sarthak Golui, Sauvik Chakrabarti, Subhashish Bose, and Hmingthan Mawia, better known as ‘Valpuia’.
Goalkeepers
Mumbai have a quality shot-stopper in 26-year-old Indian international Amrinder Singh. Though they have also retained former Indian U-23 goalkeeper Ravi Kumar and former Kerala Blasters custodian Kunal Sawan as backup keepers, the duo lacks experience.
The gaffer
Jorge Costa was the captain of the little-fancied FC Porto when they won the UEFA Champions League in 2004. Nicknamed Bicho (animal) by his colleagues and fans for his aggressive and physical playing style, the Portuguese is expected to guide Mumbai to the elusive ISL crown. The 47-year-old, who took over from Costa Rican Alexandre Guimaraes following a lacklustre fourth season, has coached several Portuguese clubs including Sporting Braga, Pacos Ferreira and Arouca FC, apart from managing the Gabon national team. Having earned 50 caps for Portugal, he represented the nation at one World Cup and one European Championship.
Players to watch
Amine Chermiti
The key man for Mumbai City this year will be Tunisian striker Chermiti. Having played elite level of European football with Hertha Berlin and FC Zurich, he has plenty of experience under his belt. Chermiti possesses exemplary dribbling and finishing skills and is quick, strong and impressive in the air.
Rowllin Borges
Borges, who will be donning the Mumbai jersey for the first time after spending three seasons with the NorthEast United, is likely to be a vital cog in Mumbai’s wheel this season. The 27-year-old box-to-box midfielder has incredible stamina and ability to cover ground quickly and is known for supreme offensive and defensive skills.
Strengths
A strong-looking midfield and forward line-up
If the coach manages to pick the best combination and formation, it will not be surprising to see Mumbai go beyond the play-offs
Weaknesses
Issoko’s departure has left a void in Mumbai’s defence. Finding the right replacement for a player of his calibre and experience is not an easy task
The only big name in their defence is Grjic. The local signings lack experience and big-match temperament
