Apuia Exclusive: ISL 2023 – Apuia Mumbai City FC – Indian Super League – Mumbai City FC has been an exceptional dominant force in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL Campaign). With just 3 group-stage games remaining, midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte aka Apuia has been one of the key players for the Islanders. Ahead of their match against FC Goa, the young dynamic midfielder shared his and MCFC’s Mantra for the ISL 2023 campaign in an exclusive interview with InsideSport.IN. With the Primary AIM to become the Champions, we take a look at what Apuia had to say. Follow Indian Super League and ISL 2022-23 LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Apuia Exclusive: ‘Win, Take 3 pts, Be Champions’ Apuia reveals ‘SIMPLE’ MANTRA as Mumbai City FC chase GOLDEN ISL title – Check Out
When it comes to the Points table, Mumbai City FC has been the best side this season. Out of the 17 matches, they have won 13 games and drawn the other 4. With just 3 games remaining, the Islanders will be looking to finish the group stage campaign by remaining as the unbeaten side.
IN: Mumbai City FC has arguably been the best-performing team in this season’s ISL and you have been a key part of the team. How are you enjoying your success?
Apuia: We are doing so good till now, but we haven’t achieved anything yet. We are not the final shield winner or the Cup winner. So unless we achieve that, we can’t say that we are the best, because the most important thing is being the champion. But as of now, we are working hard to win the trophy.
We are trying to be champions and also for me, it is important to be a part of the team. So that’s the main aim for me. And I think we are doing great and I hope we can be champions this season.
Apuia Exclusive: ‘Win, Take 3 pts, Be Champions’ Apuia reveals ‘SIMPLE’ MANTRA as Mumbai City FC chase GOLDEN ISL title – Check Out
IN: Mumbai City has already qualified for the semi-finals. The unbeaten streak continues, do you plan on keeping this record intact after the conclusion of the 20 group-stage games?
Apuia: No, that is not the main target. We want to win every game. But the main important thing is to win and to give everything as we take one game at a time. The main objective is simple, Win the game, take 3 points, and be Champions.
As for Apuia, the 22-year-old midfielder has been a vital cog in the midfielder. The youngster featured in 14 games where he managed 3 goals. Apuia is now keen on getting a couple of assists to call it an end to a successful Shield-winning campaign.
Apuia Exclusive: ‘Win, Take 3 pts, Be Champions’ Apuia reveals ‘SIMPLE’ MANTRA as Mumbai City FC chase GOLDEN ISL title – Check Out
IN: You have been in stunning form this season with 3 goals in 14 games and being the midfield engine. What responsibilities do you have on your shoulders?
Apuia: Everyone is important in our team, not only me. We need to give everything not only on the game, but we also need to give our 100% in every training and try to be better players and push the other players in order to become better. And for me, it’s very important since I joined Mumbai City FC, the main objective is trying to win the Champions.
In ISL, scoring three goals is very important for me, but I want to add a lot since I haven’t had any assists. I try to help the team as much as possible and that depends on how much the coach wants me to play and how the team needs me. I cannot just focus on myself. So the team is the most important thing for me and for everyone. So we are trying our best for the teams and for our fans.
IN: You have played with quite a few stalwarts in your team, what do you wish to learn the most from the veterans that play alongside you?
Apuia: It is important for us youngsters to look up to the senior players. We need to learn a lot from them, like how we need to be calm with the ball as much as possible. We also learn how to put hard work in training. Diaz runs a lot, even in the training.
So you give a lot, and if the senior players are working like that, so as a youngster, for us, we need to work a lot more. They’re also a motivation for us. We have a lot of things we learn from them and these are the advantage of having them. I think that’s why we are at the top of the table.
Apuia Exclusive: ‘Win, Take 3 pts, Be Champions’ Apuia reveals ‘SIMPLE’ MANTRA as Mumbai City FC chase GOLDEN ISL title – Check Out
“It was a tough fight”#Apuia shares his opinion on the team’s approach in #MCFCHFC 🗣️#HeroISL #LetsFootball #MumbaiCityFC pic.twitter.com/nbsOtNXk3f
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 4, 2023
IN: A draw with Hyderabad FC, and you as the hosts dropped points after a long time, how is the reaction of the camp?
Apuia: We knew that if we beat them, we are the league winners. So everyone was motivated, and we really wanted to win that match. We scored the goal and then we conceeded. After that, I think even the manager changed his tactics instead of pushing forward and risking the win he brought on two defensive midfielders to maintain the draw.
I think it was not our day. So we are not happy that we could not win. But we are glad that another win and the other team dropping points mean we win the shield.
IN: How is your relationship with your manager Des Buckingham? Gives us a little insight into his man-management.
Apuia: He’s a good guy. He treats us all the same, be it foreigners or young Indian players. When we make mistakes he doesn’t lose his patience which helps in building our confidence. And in training, he pushes us really hard as he wants us to improve every single day.
Apuia Exclusive: ‘Win, Take 3 pts, Be Champions’ Apuia reveals ‘SIMPLE’ MANTRA as Mumbai City FC chase GOLDEN ISL title – Check Out
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