Exclusive/ Star Indian Footballer and Mumbai City Sensation Makes Bold Comparison Between ISL and EPL

Mumbai City sensation Vikram Pratap Singh who broke through the ranks in the Indian Super League (ISL) last season is eyeing to make a big impact for the Islanders in the new season.  

Mumbai City FC's ISL cup title defence hasn't started as per plan as after three games, the Petr Kratky led side are winless and currently sit a lowly 11th in the ISL standings with just two points. 

In an exclusive chat with Republic World, Vikram Pratap Singh touched upon Mumbai City FC's slow start to the season, their outlook for the season and he made a bold comparision between Indian Super League and the Premier League. 

Vikram Pratap Singh spent a month with Premier League club Manchester City , training in their facilities. 

Excerpts from the exclusive interview with Vikram Pratap Singh here…

Q: Last season was a breakthrough season for you. Given the ISL season has only just begun, how's your outlook for the season? 

VPS: The aim is to stay fit for the entire season. I need to be available whenever team needs me. Last year I scored 8 goals so this season I want to score a minimum of 10 goals.

Q: There's obviously a lot of competition in the Mumbai City squad. So how does it motivate you to perform at the best of your abilities?  

VPS: Competition is the main reason why Mumbai City does well every season. We know if we don't perform well then someone else will take our sport. This performance pressure is what motivates us to to continue to do well and why we are successful.

Q: As a team you're the defending ISL cup champions. No team has ever defended the ISL cup crown so what's the objective as a group this season?

VPS: The objective is to win both ISL shield and ISL Cup. Winning the Shield gives us the chance to play in AFC Champions League. Hence that is the main aim.

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Q: Your game has seen a big breakthrough under Petr Kratky. How's it like working with him and how would you say he's helped your game grow compared to the previous managers?

VPS: The working relation with Petr Kratky is really well. I was able to talk freely with him on how I want to play and be on the ground. He gave me great advice on how I should play. The freedom I get has really improved my game. We get to learn from every coach. Under Des (Buckingham) I learned how to be in a system and how to play in a system. With Petr its almost the same tacitically but he gives more confidence to the youngsters. He tells us to play the way we want but at the same time follow the system.

Q: You spent a  month at Manchester City facilities. How was your experience and what sort of learnings did you gain. What are some of the differences you've observed between them and Indian football?

VPS: I trained with Manchester City for 25 days but picked up an injury on the first day so I was on rehab mostly. But there's obviously a big difference in the level between Manchester City compared to here. I don't think we'll be able to compare that level with India anytime soon. Because they have a support staff for every little thing. Their training facilities, grounds, food is completely different. I don't know when it will come to India.

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Q: You finally made your senior debut for India earlier in the year. Could you explain what was the feeling like playing your first match as a Blue Tiger? 

VPS: There's a lot of difference between playing for Junior level and Senior team. I was in the junior team for a long time, so I used to think, I'll be able to crack into the senior side early. But debuting for senior team took time but when I made my debut it was a completely different feeling. When I met with all the big players, I felt this where things get real and big things start".