We have to watch out for Mumbai’s wingers: FC Goa’s Edu Bedia

Edu Bedia

Mumbai City FC have taken the Indian Super League (ISL) season by storm, staying unbeaten in all 17 games so far and winning 13 of those. Sitting comfortably at the top of the table, Des Buckingham's side have been a notch above the rest in terms of playing free-flowing football and are now very close to winning their second ISL shield in three years. They face fifth-placed FC Goa today at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao where the Gaurs have won six of their last eight six games to strengthen their play-off chances.

Goa's Spanish midfielder Edu Bedia, who has been one of the calmer heads at the centre, admitted his opponents' dominance and that they are fully prepared for the challenge. "Mumbai are a very strong team and that is why they are top of the table. We have to take our game up a level against them. We have to be attacking with the ball from the start and strong in defence at the same time. Our preparations have gone quite well," Bedia told mid-day from Goa yesterday.

Bedia, 33, who has three goals and three assists to his name and has created the most chances [33] for Goa this season, spoke about how role-clarity has helped him perform as per expectations. "My aim is always to help the team in any way possible. As a defensive midfielder, my role is to control the game from the middle and I think I have done that pretty well so far," added Bedia.

When asked about if there are any particular players from Mumbai who they will be wary of, Bedia picked out their wingers. "Mumbai are an all-round team and have so many good players. But for me, their wingers Bipin Singh [six goals and two assists] and Lallianzuala Chhangte [nine goals and five assists] have been key to their success. We have to watch out for them," he said.

FC Goa won the ISL shield (given to the league toppers) in 2019-20, but have not lifted the trophy. Bedia, the first foreign player to spend six years with the same club, is not thinking too far ahead though. "My focus is on the game against Mumbai tomorrow [Saturday]. I am not thinking too much about making it into the play-offs or the final. After tomorrow's game, I will start thinking about the next game," Bedia signed off.

Also Read: ISL: Mumbai City FC breeze past Kerala Blasters for record eighth win in a row