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Mumbai City FC take on local rivals FC Pune City in Mumbai on Friday evening in the season’s second ‘Maha’ derby. Mumbai City FC will be looking to avenge their 3-1 loss to FC Pune City earlier this season, but will have to do so without the services of their top scorer Sunil Chhetri and in-form winger Sony Norde.
However, Mumbai City FC have plenty of depth in attack and will expect the likes of Subhash Singh to step up in the absence of Chhetri and Norde. Subhash Singh has been in and out of the team throughout the season but has impressed with his energy on the field in the games which he has started.
Subhash Singh in an exclusive interview to Sportskeeda spoke about the impact of the new additions to the Mumbai City FC team this season, how has he thrived under Coach Nicolas Anelka and how Mumbai City FC can cope without Chhetri against FC Pune City later today.
Here are the Excerpts
Subhash, you have been in and out of the team, how do you rate your own season so far?
SS: There are plenty of factors which influence our coach’s decisions. However, his decision is final and I have to obey it. It isn’t easy in this league to play consecutive matches and sometimes my performances too have fluctuated. But I always work hard in training and do my best whenever I get a chance to play for the team.
Does Nicolas Anelka speak to you when he picks you or drops you?
SS: No, not every time. The ISL schedule is very hectic and sometimes you don’t get time to sit and speak with every player of the team. But I don’t feel it is necessary as we all know we have many good players in our team and the Coach has the right to pick his team. We have full faith in Nicolas and we respect his decisions
How different is Mumbai City FC of this season different from the team you had last season?
SS: Honestly, I feel this time we have a much stronger team than last season. This season our foreign players are performing a lot better and also we have some really good Indian players like Sunil Chhetri, Gabriel Fernandes and Brandon Fernandes. But it’s the same for every team. I feel the ISL this year is also a lot stronger. All the foreign players are top quality and the overall level of the competition has increased.
How is Nicolas Anelka as manager, and what has he changed from last season?
SS: There have been few changes from last season and I have liked it. Nicolas is a really nice guy. We all know what he has achieved in his career playing at top European clubs, but he doesn’t show it off. He is very friendly and although he speaks less, he is always there to help us improve and points out our mistakes.
For a player like me, it’s very important that he gives us the freedom to express ourselves and doesn’t put any kind of pressure on us. So for me, it has been a great experience playing under him.
Sunil Chhetri has been a great addition to your squad and you have forged a great partnership on the field with him at times. How has his presence in the team helped you?
SS: Sunil is a great player. He has vast experience and we all know what he has achieved playing for the country. When I am playing with him, it is a lot easier as he is so intelligent and that makes my job easier. Off the field too he is very helpful and always guides to play the game properly.
He always gives us advice during practice sessions as to what to do and what not to, and that helps a player like me grow.
You thrashed FC Pune City, the last time you played them at home and you had a big part to play in that game. How do you see today’s game shaping up?
It is difficult to predict. Last year we played very well against them and got our reward. But this is a new game, a new season and we will have to wait and see what happens. But we are confident that we are capable of winning the game and are going into that game with a positive attitude.
Does Sunil Chhetri and Sony Norde’s absence add to your responsibilities for the game against FC Pune City?
No, I don’t think so. Of course Chhetri, Sony have been amazing for us this season, but we have so many good players in the team who could do the job for us. I think we play as a team and we share that responsibility when one of the players is out. Sunil and Sony are important players for us, but I feel we can cope without them.
You are from Manipur and this season a lot of Manipuri players are playing in the ISL, almost every team has at least one player from Manipur. What is so special about Manipur that it makes so many top sportsmen for India?
SS: I think the biggest reason for Manipur producing so many sportsmen is that the people there just love sports. I feel a large section of the poor play a lot of sports and that’s where a lot of talent comes from. But primarily, I think the love for sports drives them to becoming top sportsmen.
