Bambolim: The high-flying Mumbai City FC will be looking to continue
on their imperious run when they face Chennaiyin FC at the GMC Stadium in the
Indian Super League (ISL) on Monday.
After 13 games, Chennaiyin's misfiring attack is still struggling to find its feet. Placed sixth, Chennaiyin have netted just 10 goals all season -- the least by any team.
Their 0-1 defeat to ATK MohunBagan in the previous game meant that they have now failed to score in seven out of 13 matches.
Mumbai are on an 11-match unbeaten run and have conceded just four goals all season. This presents Chennaiyin with a tough challenge and coach Csaba Laszlo has called for his misfiring attack to step up.
"They (our forwards) are asked to score whenever there's a possibility, that's one of the main points," he said. "We have been unlucky in many cases where we created chances and have missed. I can't teach them how to create chances but in the last moment, you must be there to put the ball into the net. And tomorrow's game is the same. I'm sure we will get chances and possibilities to use them. But (we need) more attention, instinct and be hungry for goals."
The Islanders edged Chennaiyin 2-1 in their previous meetings but it was Chennaiyin who dominated the game and fashioned better chances, despite ending up on the wrong side of the scoreline. And Laszlo is hoping for more of the same on Monday.
"We have to try to break them down. We have our tactical plans which we did in the first game. We were nearly successful but we were unlucky (to lose the game)," he said.
Meanwhile, Mumbai find themselves five points clear at the top and seem favourites to clinch the spot. Coach Sergio Lobera is content with his side's position but knows things can turn around quickly.
"I was working everyday with the City Football Group and Mumbai City, trying to build a winning team with players suited to our style of play," he said. "I am happy now because we are in a good position but the most important thing now is the end of the season. We are playing well, (we have) very good stats, very good numbers. We are on top of the table but in this league and during this phase, everything is possible in seven days. You have three games in 10 days and you can lose points. We have to keep working the same way." IANS