ISL 2017: Chennai have Jeje, but we have Balwant Singh, says Mumbai City FC captain, Lucian Goian
Winless in two games, it doesn't get any easier for Mumbai City FC. On Sunday, they will be up against an in-form Chennaiyin FC, who are currently on top of the points table, along with Bengaluru FC.
Playing at home, Mumbai desperately need a win to build momentum or they risk falling too deep into the abyss. Central defender, Lucian Goian realises the challenge that looms large, but he is confident about securing a good result tomorrow.
"The win on home soil was very important for us and also the fans. It’s going to be very tough to win against Chennaiyin FC, but we are ready following a good week of training. We are confident that we can get the three points," he said.
After scoring a vital brace in his last outing, all eyes will be on Chennai's Jeje Lalpekhlua. Lucian admits the diminutive striker has always been tough to defend against. But he suggested that in Balwant Singh, Mumbai have a striker who can match Jeje, stride for stride.
"We haven’t discussed anything particular about Jeje. He is a very good player, but we too have Balwant Singh who is a good striker and a goal-scorer. Jeje is a tough striker to play against, but we know him and know how to stop him," he explained.
Mumbai have been unlike their usual selves this season. Known to be miserly at the back, they've already conceded six goals in four matches. Goian admits that for this side to win the match, they will need to impose themselves on their opponents.
"We have to be prepared for everything. The most important thing for us will be to control the game. We started from the beginning with this idea and we hope to make the games easy to win," he commented.
Mumbai City played their last two matches in the space of five days. They drew against Kerala Blasters and lost to FC Pune City. The captain admitted that they did not have enough time to prepare since the games came thick and fast. They play Chennai after a gap of one full week, which should serve them well.
"Last game we played with a gap of three-four days and didn’t have the time to train. Most players were in the recovery stage," he signed off.