It is a chance for Mohun Bagan to claim a domestic treble. Ahead of the ISL Cup Final 2023-24, Mohun Bagan head coach Antonio Lopez Habas is not keen to exact any revenge on Mumbai City FC. Ahead of the mega encounter, both the tacticians have made it clear that none of them are favourites to win the tie.
Clash of Titans
It is essentially the clash of titans. The two best clubs in this year’s competition will be locking horns against each other in the ISL Cup 2023-24 finals. Two years ago, both the sides clashed in the ISL Shield decider where Mohun Bagan beat their formidable opponents 2-1 to secure the shield.
Mohun Bagan are on their way to achieve a rare domestic treble. The Mariners won the Durand Cup, followed it next with the ISL Shield and now, their next target, the ISL Cup. Interestingly, the Green and Maroon brigade clocked 48 points, the highest ever in the history of the league to clinch the title as the Champions. Furthermore, the Mariners will take the field with the ambition to defend their ISL Cup, which they won last year by defeating Bengaluru FC in penalties.
2 weeks back, Mumbai City FC midfielder Alberto Nougera claimed that Mohun Bagan were the ‘Favourites’ to win the ISL Shield. But come the Cup final, Nougera claimed, “This time it is different. It is the Cup Final, we are ready for the battle.”
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Not thinking about Revenge
Antonio Lopez Habas has claimed that he is not keen on exacting revenge on their opponents. Back in the 2021 ISL Cup Final, it was Mumbai City who snatched the cup from Mohun Bagan’s hands (erstwhile ATK Mohun Bagan). David Williams scored the opening goal of the game. The an unfortunate own goal from Tiri saw the Islanders draw on level terms. And finally in the dying minutes of the game, Bipin Singh scored the decider goal to clinch an emphatic 2-1 for the Mumbai outfits.
Back then, it was the same manager Antonio Lopez Habas at the helm of the Kolkata giants. “I’m not about revenge; that’s stuff you see in movies or with the mafia. It’s just another game against tough opponents, and it’s going to be a great show for the ISL,” Habas said at the pre-match press conference, here at Kolkata.
Want to finish it in 45 minutes
The primary objective for both the teams would be finish the game withing the regulated time. Mumbai City FC gaffer Petr Kratky has claimed that he and is side is ready to take on the Kolkata outfits. “We are ready for the game, we are ready to give it all in the finals,” said Kratky.
On the other hand, Antonio Lopez Habas has claimed that he wants to finish the game in 45 minutes. In a mood, Habas said, “Want to finish in 45 minutes. Obviously we don’t want to go to extra team. It’s hot out there so better to finish it in 90 minutes,” said Habas at the pre match press conference.
Mohun Bagan Super Giants vs Mumbai City FC will be held at Yuba Bharati Stadium at 7:30 PM IST on 4th May, 2024.
Editors pick
