Mumbai City FC coach Sergio Lobera is a happy man following his side’s progress to the final of the Indian Super League. He said that his players deserve to play in the ISL final after Mumbai defeated FC Goa (6-5) in a penalty shootout in the second leg semifinal on Monday.
After Mumbai and Goa were engaged in an intense battle in the second leg without a clear winner emerging past the 90-minute mark, the match came down to the tournament’s first ever sudden death penalty shootout that decided the first finalist. The first leg of the semifinal last week was tied 2-2.
“I’m very happy because my players have done produced big effort because it’s not easy to play 90 minutes, extra-time and then go into penalties. I am happy because these players deserve to play in the final,” said Lobera during the post-match press conference.
Lobera had high praise for Amrinder Singh, who has been hailed as one of the best goalkeepers this season.
“Amrinder Singh is the best goalkeeper in India. I don’t have any doubt. He knows the situation. I want to congratulate the goalkeeper,” he said.
“We have three good goalkeepers. We need to be strong because during 90 minutes and extra-time, there are good moments and bad moments and it is not easy to play for a long time. I think my players had a very strong and positive mentality,” he added.
Mumbai will meet the winner of the second semifinal, between ATK Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC taking placing on Tuesday, on March 13.
Lobera also gave his insights into the clash between ATK Mohun Bagan and NEUFC.
“I think ATK Mohun Bagan had an amazing season. And I want to congratulate the NorthEast United coach (Khalid Jamil) because he is a good example to do a coaching job here. The most important thing is we are going to play the final,” he said.
