#3 An experienced coach has made the difference
The experienced Englishman Peter Reid could not adapt quickly to the Indian conditions and 2014 was a dampener. Come 2015, Nicolas Anelka stepped up to the task and he was announced as the marquee player-cum-manager for the team. This ploy backfired and the team was left in shambles.
This year, the management did their due diligence and finalised Costa Rican Alexandre Guimarães. The Brazil-born footballer had donned the Costa Rica colours back in 1990 FIFA World Cup. He had coached the national side in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. To add to his repertoire, Alexandre had extensive coaching experience in the United Arab Emirates and China.
Mumbai City management did not waste any time to appoint the 57-year old as their head coach. The astute manager applied his years of experience to take Mumbai City to new heights. From 6th and 7th place finishes to leading the table- it has been magical.
The coach has preferred a traditional 4-man defence in most instances. He has the ability to shift and switch formations as per requirements. This quick adaptability has aided the unforeseen success of the team under the tutelage of Alexandre Guimaraes.
