Pro Kabaddi 2024: "Anything is possible, so we have to focus on the mat" - U Mumba coach not happy with players' laid-back approach vs Haryana
U Mumba coach Gholamreza Mazandarani was disappointed with the way his men performed in the side's Pro Kabaddi 2024 match against Haryana Steelers on December 22. The Mumbai-based franchise lost 30-47 in an important match on the road to playoffs.
Had the Mumbai-based franchise lost by a margin of seven or fewer points, they could have qualified for the playoffs. Now, if they lose by 47 or more points against Bengal Warriorz, they will be eliminated from the tournament.
At the post-match press conference, Gholamreza Mazandarani was asked if the team's players were a bit laid back, knowing that they would qualify even if they lost by a small margin. The coach replied:
"It wasn't for me. I have seen many tournaments. Anything is possible, so we have to focus on the mat and play our game. Maybe some players thinking like this. Some of them thinking 100% we have qualified, and some of them maybe focus on the playoffs match. They are thinking, if we play with this team, better for us, if we play with that team, better for us. I don't know."
Ajit Chouhan had an off day in the office as he scored only one point for U Mumba against Haryana Steelers. Even Mohammadamir Zafardanesh looked off-color with zero points to his name while left cover Parvesh Bhainswal also failed to open his account.
"This thing is not good for any team" - Gholamreza Mazandarani comments on why U Mumba lost by 17 points
A 17-point defeat can hurt any team's morale in the Pro Kabaddi League. When asked how the result will impact his franchise on the road to playoffs, U Mumba coach Gholamreza Mazandarani replied:
"This thing is not good for any team. In this time, the team needs to focus on good combination, good performance and playing well together, but tonight, our team played little separate, and it was a big minus for us."
U Mumba will play their final league match against the Bengal Warriorz on December 24. If Bengal defeats the Mumbai-based franchise by 47 or more points, the Telugu Titans will qualify for the playoffs.