ISL 2017/18: "Mumbai City FC need to play an intelligent game," says coach Alexandre Guimaraes

Mumbai City FC are counting their blessings. A couple weeks back they were all but out of the race for a spot in the final four. Fast forward to now and Alexandre Guimaraes' men have a great opportunity to pile up the pressure on the teams above them.

Positioned seventh on the ISL table, Mumbai currently have 20 points from 15 games. If they do manage to win their next three matches, it may still not guarantee them a spot as their qualification outcome is still heavily dependent on how the other teams perform.

Given the fact that several clubs have faltered consistently in this hectic race, Mumbai will be keen to do their end of the job well and hope the others don't. They are set to host a weak NorthEast United outfit on Thursday and enter the match as firm favourites.

Guimaraes though is just happy to be in the current situation but stressed on the importance of overcoming their poor home form. Mumbai have lost their last four games on home turf.

"First of all, it feels good to be alive. We come here still knowing that we have a chance but we have to play even better to win tomorrow against a team who haven't had luck on their side. I hope tomorrow we can finally win a game at home."

"We wish to give a present to our fans, our current form at home is not usual. We cannot even draw tomorrow. We have to play an intelligent game, attack but defending well when we go forward," he stated.

Mumbai City FC's captain, Lucian Goian has failed to make the starting line up over the past few games. The Romanian veteran suffered a knee injury which meant he wasn't able to partake in many crunch fixtures. Guimaraes though did reveal that his centre-back practised on Wednesday and did not feel any pain, suggesting that he could be back in the playing 11 tomorrow.

"It's a knee injury that is very sensitive. Many times, athletes play without being 100% fit at the top level but sometimes there are certain muscles that hurt you and that is his case. I have spoken to him and he has been very patient," he explained.