I-League: Mumbai FC look to stave off relegation

Mumbai [India], Apr 16 (ANI): With only three games in hand in the 10th edition of the I-League, Mumbai FC will rein in every drop of persistence to avoid relegation when they take on Chennai City FC in a must-win clash here at the Cooperage Ground later today. In their previous match against Churchill Brothers, they could only gather a point. The result provoked a frank response from Head Coach Oscar Bruzon in the pre-match press conference. "We obviously don't want to finish at the bottom of the table. Tomorrow, we have a big task to complete against Chennai City FC, we will go all-out and do our best to get the desired result. We have to treat every match as a final for us now, and we'll play like that." His fellow counterpart V. Soundrarajan was equally optimistic. "We are a newly formed football club and we stand for Tamil Nadu as a whole, promoting 5-6 players from the region by giving them contracts. Our main aim for this season is to finish in the top 8, hence qualifying for the Federation Cup in Cuttack." "I felt, Mumbai FC had played attacking football against Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. I remember they gave us a tough time too, I think they've been unlucky for most parts of the season. He also emphasises luck is part and parcel of the game. Football is a game of uncertainty but some time luck is equally essential along with the skill and strategy to win matches," Soundrarajan further stated. Oscar Bruzon was unfortunate to get the winning start against Churchill Brothers. "I have said before that everything is a process. We are not thinking about the drop, we just can't. We have to plough on regardless of results of the previous match and hope to do better against Chennai City FC." "Mumbai FC do not have a full roster at the moment, with Djelaludin Sharityar, Thoi Singh and Alex Willian all are doubtful for this crucial tie. Regarding their fitness, we will take a call only after today's final practice session". Chennai City FC are currently seventh in the I-League table with 16 points whereas Mumbai FC have 11 points.(ANI)