ISL 2020-21: Sergio Lobera possesses mixed emotions following Mumbai City FC's draw against Chennaiyin FC
Mumbai City FC stays atop the table with this draw, while Chennaiyin FC has risen to the fifth spot. Mumbai has never won the title before, having been playing the tournament since 2014. Chennaiyin happens to be a former two-time champion.
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FollowMumbai City FC came up with strict performance, but could not get past a relentless Chennaiyin FC, as the two settled for a 1-1 draw in the 2020-21 Indian Super League, at the GMC Stadium in Goa, on Monday. While Mumbai Continues to stay on the top, Chennaiyin has risen to the fifth spot.
It all began with the opening strike from Bartholomew Ogbeche in the 21st minute, that put Mumbai ahead. However, a penalty allowed Chennaiyin to level terms, with Esmael Goncalves successfully converting it from the spot.
Following the game, Mumbai manager, Sergio Lobera had mixed emotions, as he said, "Obviously, I am not happy, because I think my team had done a big effort and played very well, but we lost two points. I am happy compared to last game, but we conceded a goal and lost two pts. We need to try to avoid mistakes (like the one that led to the goal). My analysis as a coach is that it's important to know that the players did many good things today. When one player makes a mistake, I need to speak to him. Jahouh helps us a lot in lots of games, but today it's not good that we conceded this goal. We now need to shift focus to the next game."
"We create lots of chances to score. The problem is not the chances, we need to finish better and be clinical. Sometimes, when you score the second goal, the game is completely different. We need to improve in this aspect because our defensive numbers are very good and we need to improve our offensive numbers," he added.
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Meanwhile, Chennaiyin boss, Csaba Laszlo hailed his side for coming up with formidable performance, as he reckoned, "I didn't think we played bad in the first half. It was a really nice goal from Mumbai and we could have done anything in this case except maybe push to avoid the cross. I told the team in the dressing room (at half-time) that we still had the chance. I think we deserve the one point. We went for the three points, but I am also not disappointed with the one point."
"I think this is an endless story (laughs). We are not fantastic in offence this year. Tonight we showed a very good game. I am missing the killer instinct in the box. Two-three times we had very good crosses, but you have to attack the ball. If you are a striker and if you wait for the ball and don't attack, it will never come to you. I am pleased that Jakub attacked the 'keeper and won the penalty and that Isma scored. If you look at our team, Isma and Jakub have both scored many goals in their previous clubs. You hope that they can do the job in the front. If Lanzarote (Manuel) is in, then I have a little more possibility and creativity in the attacking midfield. Everybody is waiting for more goals from us since we have missed a lot. We need to concentrate and score," he added.
"I feel it was painful when he lost points to ATK Mohun Bagan. I had a few sad-faced in the dressing room after that game, but I'm happy that the players stood up and said they will deliver against Mumbai City. The Indian players never give up. I watched four European football games last night and I can tell you that the most entertaining games are the ones in the ISL. The players here may not have the European quality, but they never give up. They are always busy and running and this is entertaining," he concluded.
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