Facing a must-win situation to avoid relegation, Mumbai FC are confident of dealing with the pressure as they take on East Bengal in a 22nd round I-League football match at the Cooperage ground here tomorrow.
With the league reaching the business end, Mumbai FC have 18 points from the same number of games and occupy the 7th position but are not safe.
In contrast, East Bengal are sitting pretty in 4th place with 26 points from 17 games.
A win against the famed Kolkata club would ensure that Mumbai FC move higher in the league standing and survive the drop.
Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil conceded today that there is only one solution for them, which is to win.
"There is just one solution for us, we have to win and for that we have to score goals. Not one, but two goals," he said at the pre-match press briefing.
Jamil also pointed out that the opposition has a very potent attack and his defenders will have to stand up to the threat.
"They have very good attacking players, Ranti Martins and Dudu Omagbemi, and we cannot afford to give them any chance. We have to block them," he said.
Mumbai FC would also like to reproduce the same form which they displayed in the previous drawn game against former champions Dempo SC in Goa last week.
"We played exceptionally well against Dempo. It was one of our best matches as the boys produced the best performance, but only we did not score. We missed quite a number of chances," Jamil regretted.
The home side will start without midfielders Vashum Reisangmi and defender Collin Abranches, both sustaining injuries in the last game. Goalkeeper Kunal Sawant will retain his position under the bar as Nidhinlal A.C. Is still nursing an injury.
East Bengal's Dutch coach Eelco Schattorie said the two teams are in different positions.
"Mumbai is fighting relegation and for us (East Bengal) we have a chance to go higher. That will heavily influence and motivate the players and Mumbai will be fully charged up to fight for a win," Schattorie said.
The Mumbai club has drawn 9, including the last 5 games, and won just 3 with its last win coming against Bharat FC in February.
