Ahead of the upcoming season, Fernandes spoke to IANS in an exclusive conversation and brushed upon topics such as the move to Mumbai, his discussion with Manolo Marquez after he was appointed India head coach, what drives him as a player, and other topics.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Excerpts:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Q. What made you join Petr Kratky\u2019s system at Mumbai City FC?<\/p>\r\n\r\n
BF: It\u2019s straightforward, they play a style of football that\u2019s very exciting and it suits my style of play. Their philosophy and system have always been something I\u2019ve wanted to be a part of. Mumbai City is one of the most successful and biggest clubs in India, it\u2019s a fascinating project and I wanted to take this opportunity to challenge myself.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Q. You spoke about wanting to challenge yourself at MCFC, is that something that drives you?<\/p>\r\n\r\n
BF: The thing that drives me is to always get better than I was in the previous season, get more goals and more assists.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Q. You played under Manolo Marquez, the new Indian head coach, at FC Goa. What are your thoughts on his appointment?<\/p>\r\n\r\n
BF: Manolo has been one of the best coaches in ISL for the past 4-5 years and this is the right moment for he got the job he is someone who will help the Indian players a lot and I am sure he will be successful in this job.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Q. Did you have a conversation with Manolo after his appointment?<\/p>\r\n\r\n
BF: I had a brief chat with him and congratulated him and he said he is looking forward to working with me again.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Q.What are your thoughts on partnering with Lallianzuala Chhangte at Mumbai City? Will regular playing time with the forward benefit the national team as well?<\/p>\r\n\r\n
BF: Chhangte is one of the best players in India and it\u2019s an opportunity to play with him and help myself get better. You could have seen in the last game (against Qatar), we had a good connection. I am excited to play with him for the club and provide some good scoring opportunities for him and hopefully, the link-up will also help the national team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Q. What are Mumbai City\u2019s goals and expectations for the new season?<\/p>\r\n\r\n
BF: They have this winning mentality, their ambition is that they want to be champions all the time, so we will be going hard and giving everything for every silverware that is available to us.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Q. The team will face Thai side Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC in a friendly, how is the team feeling after the month-long training camp in Thailand?<\/p>\r\n\r\n
BF: They have this winning mentality, their ambition is that they want to be champions all the time, so we will be going hard and giving everything for every silverware that is available to us.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Paris Olympics News<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n