We need to take care of the ball better: Greg Stewart (original) (raw)

Mohun Bagan Super Giant midfielder Greg Stewart lamented the team’s usage of the ball during their 2-2 draw against Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) opener at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Friday.

The Mariners let a first-half 2-0 lead slip as the Islanders scored twice in the final 20 minutes to salvage a point. Petr Kratky’s men were the dominant side for most part of the match and got just reward in the end for their endeavours.

Stewart, who was making his Mohun Bagan SG debut against his former team with whom he won the League Shield in 2022-23, felt his team complicated matters for themselves.

“Disappointing again. We went two goals ahead, but could not win the match,” Stewart told indiansuperleague.com in an exclusive interview after the match.

“I think we gave away too many easy passes. I think we have to react with the ball more and play the simple pass. Sometimes I don't think we played simple passes. We always try to play difficult passes,” he added.

The Islanders had a passing accuracy of 86% as compared to 80% for the Mariners and the home side completed 49 passes fewer than the visitors. The effect was visible in the number of attempts on the two goals. Mumbai City FC had six shots on the Mohun Bagan SG goal while Mariners just had to, but to their credit scored from both those attempts.

However, Stewart believes his team needs to improve their control on the ball.

“We gave the goal away and Mumbai City FC scored the second goal. So from our point of view, we have to take care of the ball better,” he said.

Hope we’ll rectify our mistakes: Subhasish Bose

Mohun Bagan SG captain Subhasish Bose was hopeful of improvements from the team in the upcoming matches after they allowed Mumbai City FC back into the game to pinch a point in Kolkata.

The left-back had a solid game and kept Lallianzuala Chhangte at bay but saw his side getting tormented from the other flank where Bipin Singh and later PN Noufal ran riot.

The defender feels the team will get better with more games under their belt.

“We gave the goal away and Mumbai City FC scored the second goal. So from our point of view, we have to take care of the ball better,” Bose told indiansuperleague.com after the match.

“I think there is a long way to go in the league. I hope we'll rectify our mistakes, play well and keep clean sheets in the upcoming matches,” he added.

The Mariners conceded the equaliser after debutant Alberto Rodriguez was substituted. The Spaniard had a solid game at the heart of the Mohun Bagan SG defence and also scored the team’s second goal. But Bose believes the team’s failure to hold on was a collective one and can’t be associated with a personnel change.

“When a new player comes in, the setup changes (about Alberto Rodriguez's substitution). The team overall should take responsibility. Mumbai City FC are a good team and they played well. I hope we will play better as a team,” he said.

“Dippendu (Biswas) is playing well and gaining confidence. Everyone in the team supports him. I hope he will perform well in the upcoming matches,” he said, highlighting the performance of the youngster as he signed off.