ISL 2017-18: Mumbai City's Alexandre Guimaraes refuses to rule out top-four hopes after Jamshedpur defeat

Mumbai City FC were dealt a third loss on the bounce at home as Jamshedpur FC ran out 2-1 winners on the night in the Indian Super League (ISL) clash on Thursday.

Following the result, Mumbai City tactician Alexandre Guimaraes said that there is nothing more his side could have done on the night.

“Sometimes football doesn't give you the reward that you work for; we played very well today but we didn't convert the possibilities we had and when that happens, it can put you in trouble. They profited from our error in first half and in second half, we took our risks,” he said at the post-match press conference.

“We tried to go for the win but they got another situation which they profited from. I told the players on this kind of game I don't have say anything to them as they did whatever was asked from them; they found ways to penetrate in the defense,” the Costa Rican added.

Balwant Singh had an off game as he failed to find his scoring boots but Guimaraes defended the Mumbai forward’s contribution.

“Balwant has been our top scorer. Sometimes, players have such nights. I'm sure he will fight much more in the next match to get over today's situation,” Guimaraes stated.

The Mumbai coach admitted that losing three home games on the bounce had been a downer but said that his side had been unlucky to walk away with zero points to show for their efforts.

“Yes I'm disappointed that it is the third loss on home. This wasn't the scene we had in mind. From the three games we played here, in two of them we played like we should have but unfortunately didn't get the points. Sometimes football is like that,” he quipped.

The loss leaves the Islanders reeling in sixth position in the league table with 17 points from 13 games, five points behind fourth-place Jamshedpur.

However, the Costa Rican refused to rule out a top-four finish and said, “I just told the players that we still have our chances (for the playoffs). It's more difficult now but anything can help. We have to recover and work harder for the next games here.”