Indian Football: Diego Forlan raring to have a go in the ISL for Mumbai City FC; Kerala Blasters held to a 1-1 draw against Southern Samity

Mumbai City FC striker Diego Forlan is geared up for his inaugural ISL season

Known to have a penchant for signing quality strikers, Maharashtra giants Mumbai City FC have roped in former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid striker for season 3 of the Indian Super League (ISL).

Last season’s marquee signing cum head-coach Nicholas Anelka did not seem to click for the Ranbir Kapoor co-owned outfit. Attacker Sunil Chhetri fetched the highest value in the auction and showcased his exquisite performances on the field, but still the Maharahstra side failed to muster anything concrete from their campaign.

Now, under the tutelage of Alexandre Guimaraes, Mumbai would be hoping to make it into the top four for the first time in their history. The addition of Forlan will certainly bolster their chances of progressing in the tournament.

According to Manasi Pathak of Goal, the striker is optimistic of putting up a stellar showing in front of the Indian fans in the economic capital.

“This is my second time in India, I’d been in Kolkata in 2010 (for a football based reality show). We (Mumbai City FC) had a good pre-season and have a bunch of really good players. We are looking forward to have a good season.

“We didn’t qualify for the play-offs in the last two seasons. So we are looking forward to get over that challenge this time and to do our best for the league,” said the former Uruguay International.

He also stressed on the importance of maintaining fitness and believes that the league will be tough to win, given the quality of other rival sides.

”It’s difficult to play in this league as every team has very good players. It is hectic too because you play many games in a very short span and travelling consumes time too, so it isn’t very easy.”

”If everyone isn’t fit, it’s going to be a difficult season for everyone. It’s important to have a good squad but equally crucial is that all players in the team are fit and available to play every game.

“You don’t know what will happen in football even though you have the best team on paper. I have had that experience in many countries where I played. You play two games in a row and travel a lot. It’s important to have a fit squad,” explained Forlan.

Kerala Blasters come from a goal down to share the spoils with Southern Samity

We can’t wait to see them in action! #kbfc #YellowMeinKhelo #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/nletG5RfcB

— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) September 19, 2016

ISL franchise Kerala Blasters maintained their unbeaten pre-season run ahead of their game in the the third edition of the nation’s premier footballing spectacle.

The Yellow and Blues are currently training in Kolkata after returning from the first stage of pre-season in Thailand under with new head-coach Steve Coppell. They played against Calcutta Football League (CFL) side Southern Samity, but failed to garner a victory on the day.

Coppell witnessed his side play some impressive open and attacking football, but failed to see them come away with the victory. A resolute Samit side held the Blasters to an impressive 1-1 draw at the Mohun Bagan Ground, on Friday, the 23rd  of September.

The match didn’t get off to the best of starts for the Blasters, as they were playing catch up with 15 minutes on the board through an impressive goal by Samity striker Torres. However, Coppell’s men clawed their way back into the game and were back on level terms within five minutes. Farukh Chaudhary kept his calm and blasted the ball past a helpless goalkeeper to level things up.

Sachin Tendulkar’s franchise commence their ISL Season 3 journey in Guwahati against North East United on the 1st of October.