ISL: Mumbai City FC gear up for season 3

Mumbai, Aug 12: Unsuccessful in their first two seasons, ISL franchise Mumbai City FC is geared up for the third season of the league with the team's head coach Alexandre Henrique Borges saying they are prepared and excited for the upcoming edition of the tournament.

"I had no doubt about it (coaching Mumbai) because this is a place that I want to be associated with. I had too many talks with colleagues and players who came here and everybody said that it is a great experience," club's head coach Alexandre Henrique Borges told reporters.

"We hope that we can have a very good season and we are excited to start (the third season). I am very happy about players we have signed right now because the organisation, the club, everybody are doing fantastic job to get right players for this project, both local and foreigners. I have no complaints and will have good players to work with me," he added.

Asked where the team has been lacking despite having some good players, the head coach said, "I know the situation, but that is past."

"I know a good atmosphere is very important to achieve the goals that the club have and I put too much attention in that," said the former Costa Rican footballer.

Asked about his managerial experience and the uniqueness of ISL, he said, "It is important that from the beginning of the pre-season, we have whole squad to practise together. During the five-six week training we need to play practise games as well friendlies. It is also important to have 25-26 pool of players."

Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC CEO Indranil Das Blah said the club has not yet signed Uruguayan international player Diego Forlan.

"We haven't signed Forlon, so its unconfirmed reports. We are still in talks with various people for marqee players, so Forlon is not confirmed as yet," said the CEO.

PTI