After Bagan surprise, Mumbai FC eyeing another upset

Clearly, the major win over Mohun Bagan has worked wonders for the players8217; confidence level, and the visitors8217; overall body language at today8217;s practice session said it all 8212; that they are raring to carry their giant-killing form into tomorrow8217;s match against East Bengal at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan YBK.

In fact, the Mumbai FC players appeared were excited when they learnt that tomorrow8217;s match has been shifted from the far-away Barasat Stadium to the more popular YBK. The Barasat Stadium, which has taken a royal battering from the monsoons lately, is left in nearly unplayable condition after hosting three I-League matches.

The Mumbai FC outfit may be desperate to now have a crack at East Bengal, but the visiting team8217;s British coach David Booth is a little wary. Speaking to reporters on the eve of the big match, Booth pointed out that his side is clearly the underdogs. 8220;East Bengal are the favourites for tomorrow8217;s match. I watched their opening match, against Chirag United SC. Their players showed excellent speed both with and off the ball. The team played as a unit and their compactness in the central midfield area and the attacking-third was quite impressive. So, it is definitely a tough match for my team,8221; Mumbai FC coach Booth argued.

After his team scored an emphatic win over Mohun Bagan, the Mumbai FC coach now doesn8217;t mind cashing in on the added enthusiasm of the players, who are on a high now. Booth explained: 8220;The big victory against Mohun Bagan, particularly in terrible conditions at Barasat Stadium has certainly made the boys believe in themselves and they are aiming higher, naturally. The most important thing is the self-belief that I now see in the players. So, I don8217;t want to spoil the mood by delving into tactical complications. I want them to play their natural game tomorrow. If they get to play on a good quality ground tomorrow, I am sure my boys will be able to put up a decent show.8221;

There8217;s not so much good news for the East Bengal camp though, since their star striker Sunil Chhetri is a doubtful starter for tomorrow. The red-and-golds coach Stanley Rozario has his task cut out, and is focusing on the opponents8217; supporting game. Rozario said: 8220;I8217;m not too bothered about Mumbai FC8217;s victory in their last match. That8217;s because, on a ground as bad as that one, the match could have gone either way. But I8217;m really impressed by the team8217;s excellent supporting game, particularly with their performance in the first half. Their strikers also looked sharp. So, it won8217;t be an easy match for us.8221;