After two goalless draws, Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil wants his players to convert half chances into goals when the hosts take on Goa's struggling Salgaocar FC in the third round I-League football clash here tomorrow.
"The one area we need to improve is in converting half chances. We had quite a few in the last game, like we had four corners in the first half, but did not capitalise," said the Mumbai FC coach, referring to the team's goalless draw against Kolkata's East Bengal in their opening home game.
Jamil, however, expressed satisfaction over the two draws as he said his aim was for the team to start slowly and then pick up pace later.
"Only two games have been gone through. Draw is not bad. If we can convert half chances it will be good. I have already told the players about it," he said.
The team has been strengthened by addition of new Japanese recruit Ryuki Kozava whose transfer formalities have been completed.
"Ryuki Kozava will give the team the edge in conversion of half chances. He will replace the injured Steven Dias, whose ankle injury is not very serious. H will be available for the next game," said Jamil.
In contrast to Mumbai, Salgaocar have scored three goals but have been beaten by 4-2 and 2-1 by defending champions Mohun Bagan and 2014 champions Bengaluru FC respectively in their opening two matches.
Salgaocar's Scottish coach Malcolm Thomson expressed the hope that his team could garner some points.
"We have played two games and have no points to show. It's important for us to get some points tomorrow. We want to win every game. It's just about playing together.
"Character-wise and team wise we have some best players. We have a strong midfield and hope that tomorrow other things also go well. We have no injury issues," said the Scotsman.
Goalkeeper Karanjit Singh said ISL had drawn bigger crowds and got better media coverage.
"There has been more promotion of ISL, more crowd for the games and more media coverage," he said when asked to spell out his experience of playing in the two leagues.
