Nicolas Anelka to relinquish Mumbai City FC playing duties?

Anelka might just Coach Mumbai till the end of the season.

Mumbai City FC player-manager Nicolas Anelka could relieve himself of his playing duties, after admitting that his appearances have failed to garner the desired results. Prior to the Frenchman making his first apperance, the franchise won three matches in a row. Since his introduction, they have failed to win any of their games.

Anelka said, “Sadly, my form has not been the best and the results were better when I wasn’t playing. I am currently contemplating on just concentrating on my coaching duties, so that we can concentrate on making the play-offs. It’s difficult but I’m sure we will make it.”

Close to a month back, Mumbai were top of the table and needed to defeat Atletico de Kolkata to cement their position at the top. However, a woeful performance saw the Ranbir Kapoor owned team lose 4-1. Since then, Mumbai have lost two and drawn the same number, raising questions on Anelka’s form. With the 36-year old leading the line, Mumbai have score just two goals in the last five matches. To make things worse, the defence has shipped in 14 goals.

He added, “We had high expectations to reach the play-offs, but now it seems very difficult. So, most probably I will not be playing till the play-offs. My main aim is to revamp the squad for the remaining games. Let’s hope for the best.” The team’s goal crunch is such, that ISL’s top scorer Stiven Mendoza is only two goals away from matching Mumbai’s tally.

A senior Mumbai City official said, “It’s an unforutnate state, but we have to come to terms that his performances are not upto the mark. We might have to do as he suggested.” Mumbai have also conceded the most number of goals this season. Their current number of 20 is just shy of the 21 mark they set last season.

With just four games to go, Mumbai lie second from bottom in seventh place.