Mumbai City FC midfielder Jayesh Rane believes that the Mohun Bagan supporters made the difference in the ISL League Shield deciders, but this time they are better-prepared to take on the Kolkata giants.
Rane is hoping to silence the capacity crowd at the YBK Stadium on Saturday when they take on Mohun Bagan in the ISL 2023-24 Final. After the loss to Mohun Bagan in the Shield decider, Mumbai City FC turned things around quickly, toppling FC Goa 5-2 in the semifinal to seal their Final Berth.
Peter Kratky’s boys burst into headlines with an astounding comeback in the 1st leg against FC Goa, scoring three goals in additional minutes. Jayesh Rane provided two assists in the crucial encounter against Goa and will be looking to replicate his performance in the Final. The summit clash marks Jayesh’s fifth ISL Final appearance, having previously clinched the trophy with Chennaiyin FC and ATK.
In an exclusive interview with RevSportz, the Mumbai-born midfielder has opened up about the hostile crowd in Kolkata, playing against his former team, his desire for third ISL trophy, and more.
Here are the excerpts:
Rahul Giri: Last time, it was the 60k crowd in the Shield decider. Do you think it made the difference? Also, with more than 60k expected in the final, how are you preparing to deal with the noise?
Jayesh Rane: Yes obviously, it does make a difference. The crowd plays a very important part in the game. But we also know when to silence the outer voices and listen to our inner voice and focus on the win…for us and the fans back home who are cheering for us.
Rahul: What do you think Mumbai City needs to do differently this time to come out victorious against Mohun Bagan?
Rane: Nothing different from what we are doing. I think we should keep doing the same what we did the whole season, play as a team because we are stronger together.
Rahul: What was the key behind Mumbai’s incredible win against Goa in the dying minutes of the 1st leg? Generally, we see teams getting drained out in such humid conditions, but you guys held yourselves back. Also, tell us about that jaw-dropping assist.
Rane: It was the teamwork and belief in each other, That kept us going. And for me I didn’t care about the minutes that were left. All I knew that this is football and given my experience on the pitch, I know anything can change irrespective of how much time is left before the final whistle. So that’s all I had on my mind.
Rahul: What was the dressing room talk after your loss against Mohun Bagan in the Shield Game?
Rane: He did boost our confidence. He didn’t keep on dwelling on what went wrong, instead he told us to focus on the next challenge which is winning the ISL trophy.
Rahul: After missing out on the League Shield, will you find solace in winning the ISL Trophy?
Rane: We will give our everything to bring the trophy home I will give my all to get my third ISL trophy of my career for my home club and that will bring us solace.
Rahul: Is there any key aspect of Mohun Bagan that seems threatening to your side?
Rane: 6. They have their strengths and we have ours…there’s no particular aspect it will be a very competitive game for both the teams.
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Rahul: You have played in the ISL Final wearing the green and maroon T-shirt, but now you will be on the opposite side. If you take a moment to look back, what are the thoughts that come to your mind?
Rane: I have been lucky enough to adorn 5 different team jerseys and play the ISL finals and I’ve nothing but gratitude for the journey I’ve had and excitement for the journey ahead.
Rahul: Having played under Habas for many years, do you think that will help you in the Final?
Rane: The record that coach Habas has in ISL is very impressive and playing under him has definitely helped me as a player so given the things I’ve have learnt from him during my time with him will surely help me in the finals.
Rahul: Before this, you have played in 4-5 ISL Finals. Which one is the most memorable? And does playing in so many finals make you more confident ahead of this crucial clash?
Rane: Yes, this will be my fifth ISL final and a second one in consecutive years, also against the same opponent and yes, it does make me confident but every game, every challenge is a fresh one that’s the way I look at it and I’m looking forward towards making this my best and memorable final.
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