'I Love It Here': Star Defender Mehtab Singh Commits Long Term Future To Mumbai City FC

Star Mumbai City FC player and centre back Mehtab Singh has committed his long term future to Islanders and assured that there's no other team in the Indian Super League (ISL) that he would love to play at. 

Mehtab Singh was a key player for Mumbai City as they won the ISL Cup last season beating Mohun Bagan SG in a dramatic final. However, their 2024-25 season has started with a rocky beginning, as they are winless after their first two games of the season. 

In an exclusive chat with Republic World, Mehtab Singh touched upon his time with Mumbai City, his bond with members and reflected on a disappointing start to the season. 

Mehtab Singh commits future to Mumbai City

Mehtab Singh joined Mumbai City FC back in October 2020 and since then has emerged as one of the key players for the Islanders. During his time at Mumbai City, Mehtab Singh has won two ISL Cups and two ISL Shields. 

Speaking to Republic World on his time with Islanders, Mehtab revealed that the club has been excellent to him since he joined and he loves playing for the team. 

“I have an excellent relation with Mumbai City since the start of my career. The bond with physios, coaches and members is great. I love it here in Mumbai and I don't feel like going anywhere else. I don't want to play anywhere else,” revealed Mehtab Singh to Republic World. 

Mehtab Singh further admitted that he loves playing under Mumbai City manager Petr Kratky. He appreciates the transparency Petr Kratky has brought in the Indian dressing room.

“We can talk face to face with Petr Kratky anytime we want. We have open conversations on our lapses and what we need to improve upon. He also makes us realise that we have a huge responsibility playing for the Indian National Team and the leadership that comes with it. We have a lot of great discussion”, revealed the 26-year old centre back. 

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Mumbai City's disappointing start

Mumbai City has endured a troubling start to the season, having drawn their first game against Mohun Bagan SG 2-2 and losing their second game against Jamshedpur FC 3-2. 

Mehtab Singh revealded that a lot of players are new and adapting to each other's game will take some time. 

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“We have started well but it takes time for things to settle down. Practice is different but we need game time to adapt to each other's games, playstyles and the changes in the team. We will look at how to improve on our mistakes. Ups and downs are normal in the start and we will try adapt quickly,” said Mehtab Singh

The Islanders' backline has further conceded five goals in two games and have found it tough to cut down on chances by opposition defenders. Mehtab Singh has adressed the defensive issue and reveals where Mumbai City could improve their game. 

“All the defenders including me are not happy with ourselves for conceding 5 goals in 2 games. The mood is never good when you conced 3-4 goals in a match. We keep playing it back in our heads on how we could've improved or how I could've stopped that goal from being conceded. It's bad conceding these many goals in 2 matches but we'll try to recover ourselves and work on these mistakes soon”, revealed Mehtab Singh. 

Mumbai City will face Bengaluru FC in their next ISL game on October 2nd, 2024. It will also mark their first home game of the season and the defending Cup champions will want to get in the win column as soon as possible.