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Last season belonged to Mumbai City FC who enjoyed instantaneous success following their tie with Manchester City and influx of influential players. These players ended up making the difference for the Islanders who continued to stack up wins and ended up winning 12 of their 20 matches in the league stage during the 2020/21 season. The Sergio Lobera-led outfit also scored the most number of goals (35) and conceded just 18.
Although Mumbai were tested in the semi-finals against FC Goa, they saw fortune favouring them in the penalty shootout in the second leg. In the final against ATK Mohun Bagan, the Islanders ended up winning 2-1 and lifted the elusive Indian Super League title for the first time in their history. Not only did they manage to win the competition last season, they did it by playing a unique brand of attacking football that impressed the majority of fans.
How do things stack up for MCFC this time?
The departure of Lobera, who had the Midas touch for Mumbai City FC last season was a major shock for all. He was replaced by Des Buckingham who has had the experience of managing another CFG-owned club in Melbourne City FC and Buckingham led them to the A-League Trophy and Premiership Plate last season.
The Islanders have had a short pre-season and got less time to prepare for the upcoming ISL season than they would have liked. That coupled with the fact of the arrival of a new coaching staff might make it difficult for the players to adapt to his vision and demands.
Mumbai City FC continue to be a very balanced outfit. During the summer, they managed to sign replacements and backup players for important positions, thus increasing the squad depth. Their midfield continues to be capable of creative efficiency and they have prolific goal-scorers in the team.
Mumbai City FC transfers for 2021/22
Mumbai City FC have focused a lot on Indian talents this summer. They signed Lalengmawia’ Apuia’ Ralte on a record transfer fee and brought in Mohammad Nawaz from FC Goa to replace departing keeper Amrinder Singh. Further additions to the Indian contingent include right-back Huidrom Naocha Singh and attacker Gurkirat Singh.
The Islanders have managed to sign foreign stars such as Igor Angulo from FC Goa, Bradden Inman, who appeared for Odisha last season, Brazilian footballers Ygor Catatau signed on loan from Madureira and Cassinho on loan from Serie B club Vila Nova.
The departures of Amrinder Singh and Hugo Boumous was the biggest news of the summer as far as MCFC are concerned. ATK Mohun Bagan were their biggest competitors last season and both Amrinder and Boumous were influential in their successful league-winning campaigns. With the addition of the two players, ATK MB FC might have declared their intent against the Islanders.
Prolific scorer Bartholomew Ogbeche also left the club to join Hyderabad FC. Meanwhile, Adam Le Fondre, who was the highest-scorer for Mumbai last season has returned to his parent club Sydney FC following the conclusion of his loan spell.
| Name | Position | From |
| Ygor Catatau | CF | Madureira (loan) |
| Mohammad Nawaz | GK | FC Goa |
| Apuia | CM | North East United |
| Brand Inman | ATM | ATK Mohun Bagan FC |
| Igor Angulo | CF | FC Goa |
| Huidrom Naocha | RB | Gokulam FC |
| Rahul Bheke | RB | Bengaluru FC |
| Cassinho | ATM | Vila Nova FC (loan) |
| Gurkirat Singh | LB | Indian Arrows |
MCFC squad for 2021/22
Goalkeepers: Mohammad Nawaz, Phurba Lachenpa, Vikram Lakhbir Singh
Defenders: Amey Ranawade, Valpuia Hmingthanmawia, Huidrom Naocha Singh, Mandar Rao Dessai, Mehtab Singh, Mohamad Rakip, Rahul Bheke, Mourtada Fall, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy,
Midfielders: Ahmed Jahouh, Cassio Gabriel, Bradden Inman, Lalengmawia’ Apuia’ Ralte, Raynier Fernandes, Rowllin Borges, Tondonba Singh, Asif Khan, Chanso Horam
Stikers: Igor Angulo, Bipin Singh, Gurkirat Singh, Vikram Partap Singh, Pranjal Bhumij, Ygor Catatau
Prediction
In the history of the Indian Super League, no team has been able to defend the title successfully. A new-look Mumbai City FC side under coach Buckingham will be fighting to meet those high expectations this time around. Even if they aren’t able to do that, a top-three finish looks certain for them considering the kind of squad they have.
Despite losing many of their stars from their glorious campaign last season, the Islanders do have a balanced squad on paper. A short pre-season might affect their performances, especially at the start of the season this time around, but they have enough resources and means and should be able to make it to the qualifiers this season. Whether they will be able to defend their title or not, only time will tell.
