Norde optimistic upon return, emphasises season isn't over yet

Sony Norde is enduring a dream run in India. After leading Mohun Bagan to their maiden I League title earlier this year, he had been instrumental as Mumbai City FC strung together a run of spirited performances. That till the Haitian playmaker had to leave for World Qualifiers; during the time that he was away a lot has changed at the franchisee though, assistant coach Oscar was unceremoniously fired and the team has continuously looked lacklustre to say the least.

He returned a couple of days back though and unsurprisingly was drafted in to the starting XI for Mumbai’s clash against Kerala yesterday. Needless to say he had an instant impact on the game as his corner eventually set up Juan Aguilera’s opening goal which gave the hosts an early lead. And although Kerala managed to equalise late, the result should spur Anelka’s pupils and lend some momentum to their stuttering campaign.

Emphasising on the positivity of the result, Norde said, “Yeah, it was very sad today because we know Mumbai City are playing very good football. But we didn’t have a chance to get the three points our way. Today, we played a very good game yet [at the] last minute we conceded a goal. It’s bad luck, I’m very sad for that but it’s part of the game and we have to work hard for the next game.”

About his return and his performance today, he added, “In every game, I try to give my best so thank you God! I work every day. I work hard and I try to help my teammates and try to give my best in every game so I’m very happy today for the corner [which led to Mumbai’s goal]. But the most important thing today was we wanted the team to win but we couldn’t but then its football.”

Given there are just two rounds of matches left, the franchisee needs to win both their matches and hope other results go their way for them to make the play offs. Norte acknowledged the situation and emphasised on doing the best from here on, “We’ll try as hard as possible, and fight for three points from every game that we have left.”

He also appealed to the teams fans through this anchor leg of the tourney, “Just stay with us because we’re unlucky in every game. We played good football but couldn’t win so stay positive with us and we’re going to give our best for the next game.”