Jose Molina's team selection was called into question in the last game when the Spaniard dropped an in-form Arnab Mondal in favour of Henrique Sorena Fonseca. Dismissing any allegation regarding nationality playing a role in it, he said that it was the busy schedule that forced him into the change.
However, with Henriquez's red card in the last game, Mondal is primed to make a comeback against Mumbai City FC. And Molina didn't rule out playing more than five Indians if and when the condition demanded. “If I feel that I need to play six or seven Indians in a game as it goes with my tactics, I will certainly not fret away from the situation."
Atletico de Kolkata go into tomorrow's game against Mumbai City FC as the only undefeated team in the Indian Super League after they inflicted a 1-0 defeat upon the Delhi Dynamos. The Kolkata side had to face an uphill task last time they played against Mumbai with Molina's men being outplayed for most of the game, especially the first half.
Also read: ISL 2016: Atletico de Kolkata 1-0 Delhi Dynamos - 5 talking points
However, they were able to claw their way back into the game, ensuring a draw by the time the referee's whistle blew for full time.
And Molina is wary about the threat that his next opponents going into the game. "They have a good defence and good goalkeeper and some really good players playing up front. So we have to be on our toes."
Diego Forlan, who was signed by Mumbai this year has been unable to make an impact this year and going into the game, he has just one goal to his name. In fact, many would agree that Mumbai really came into their own after the Uruguayan went down with an injury after playing in the first two games.
Forlan is dangerous
However, Kolkata are not taking the former Atletico Madrid forward lightly. "He is around 37 years old now. So I can't say he is at his best. But we can't say that he is not dangerous. Mumbai have paid a huge sum to get his (Forlan's) services. He is bound to be dangerous.”
Speaking about his own team, the coach didn’t seem at all displeased with the performances so far. Whilst many have criticised the side for not scoring goals by the handful, the Spaniard dispelled any anxiety on his part regarding the same.
“If you see the ISL overall, it has been pretty close. Of the 18 games, 9 have been decided by a single. I would have been worried if our forwards were not creating any chances. But that has not been the case. We just have to be just better in the final thirds.”
Atletico are currently in second place on the table and a win against Mumbai City will take them to the top. With Mumbai only a point behind Kolkata, this just might turn out to be a playoff six-pointer.
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