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Mumbai FC Team Manager Henry Picardo speaks to us about the new season, new players and his expectations from the year ahead.
The new Season is almost upon us. What are your looking forward to in the new season?
– Looking forward to play entertaining football. We have managed to build up a team with very good promising youngsters so we should be able to compete successfully.
What are your objectives for this season?
-The first and foremost objective is to improve our standings in the league table and try and finish in the top half.
Who are the new players that you have signed for the upcoming season?
We have managed to sign few promising youngsters from the Indian system. However we can’t divulge any name before their transfers from the respective bodies are done.
Which of these players do you think will make the most impact?
– We have signed ace defender from Ghana named Evans Quao , he has been there with us before also and we are looking him to be a major force this season. Also few other Indian players are also having the potential to make it big this season.
What is the youth system like in Mumbai FC?
– We have strong youth system functioning under the efficient guidance of Naushad Moosa. Our boys managed to clinch the runners up trophy in the U 20 I league 2011-12.
Have any players made the jump from the youth team to the Senior Team this season?
– Jayesh Rane.
Last year Mumbai FC was in a lot of winning positions and then they conceded late goals to drop points. Do you think the team is mentally stronger now to prevent such situations?
– Only time will tell that but we promise our fans that we would not keep any stone unturned in our conquest. We are preparing ourselves well enough to take the plunge ahead and all I can say is boys are in good shape.
Which clubs do you think will contest for the I-League title this season?
-Definitely Mumbai FC. But I think Dempo, Prayag united and Mohan Bagan will also keenly contest the league.
