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

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

Mumbai City FC's ISL cup title defence hasn't started as per plan as after three games, Petr Kratky led side are winless and currently sit a lowly 11th in 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 season, ir outlook for season and he me a bold comparision between Indian Super League and Premier League. 

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

Excerpts from exclusive interview with Vikram Pratap Singh here…

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

VPS: aim is to stay fit for 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: re's obviously a lot of competition in Mumbai City squ. So how does it motivate you to perform at best of your abilities?  

VPS: Competition is main reason why Mumbai City does well every season. We know if we don't perform well n 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 defending ISL cup champions. No team has ever defended ISL cup crown so what's objective as a group this season?

VPS: objective is to win both ISL shield and ISL Cup. Winning Shield gives us chance to play in AFC Champions League. Hence that is 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 previous managers?

VPS: 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 ground. He gave me great vice on how I should play. 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 same tacitically but he gives more confidence to youngsters. He tells us to play way we want but at same time follow 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 differences you've observed between m and Indian football?

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

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

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