Defence holds key to go a step up

KNOWN SIDE One of the few to retain the squad after last season’s topfour finish, Mumbai hope to go the distance

Going by their history in the Indian Super League, Mumbai City FC have been consistent in adding star names to their roster since the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2014.

It was Fredrik Ljungberg in the first season, Nicolas Anelka in the second and Diego Forlan in the third.

But it wasn’t until last year that any of their acquisitions had led them to notable success.

Forlan may have netted five times in 2016 but it was Mumbai’s defensive solidity that was pivotal to their semi-final finish last year.

Managed by former Costa Rica World Cupper Alexandre Guimaraes, Mumbai City FC conceded only 11 goals last season of which three came in one semi-final match against ATK.

Defenders Gerson Viera and Lucian Goian, midfielders

Leo Costa and Sehnaj Singh, alongside goalkeeper Amrinder Singh who were integral to their success, have all been retained.

This indicates that rather than splurging and experimenting on new additions, Guimaraes has built a formidable side on the back of last year’s success as he aims to guide Mumbai City all the way this season.