Nikos Karelis Praises Lallianzuala Chhangte's Influence on Mumbai City FC
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Synopsis
Nikos Karelis commends Mumbai City FC captain Lallianzuala Chhangte for his significant contributions during the 2024-25 ISL campaign, despite not being in optimal goal-scoring form. Chhangte's leadership and vital plays have been instrumental in the team's success.
Key Takeaways
- Chhangte's leadership is vital for Mumbai City FC.
- Nikos Karelis has adapted well to Indian football.
- The team has struggled to score consistently.
- Multiple goal scorers are essential for overall team success.
- Chhangte's contributions extend beyond just statistics.
New Delhi, April 26 (NationPress) While the Mumbai City FC captain Lallianzuala Chhangte may not have been at his peak goal-scoring performance during the 2024-25 ISL season, striker Nikos Karelis asserts that the skipper's influence on the team is profound and pivotal. Over the course of 24 ISL matches this season, including playoffs, Chhangte netted six goals and provided three assists. Although this season's statistics fall short of the high benchmarks he has set in previous years, he showcased his exceptional talent by scoring twice to lead his team to a convincing 4-0 victory against Chennaiyin FC in the Round of 16 of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Nikos emphasized that the team owes much of its current standing to Chhangte’s significant contributions both on and off the field.
“Chhangte is truly essential for us. He is an outstanding player, our captain. He possesses the required quality, confidence, and experience. He has all the attributes necessary to assist us. I disagree with the notion that he hasn't started strong this season. He has performed admirably, doing everything possible to bring us to this point. A lack of numbers doesn’t diminish his contributions to the team,” Nikos remarked.
“He has been a crucial asset, influencing the game both on and off the pitch. This has greatly aided our progress, and as the season unfolded, his assists and goals became evident, showcasing his vital role in our current standing,” Nikos continued.
Nikos, who joined Mumbai City ahead of the 2024-25 ISL season, has adapted exceptionally well to the Indian football landscape. In a season where Mumbai struggled offensively, scoring only 29 goals in 24 matches, Nikos stood out, contributing over a third of their total with 10 goals.
However, the 33-year-old acknowledged that he was only responsible for one of the four goals against Chennai, with Chhangte netting two and Bipin Singh sealing the deal with a late strike. He sees this as a promising sign for the club and hopes for continued goal-scoring success throughout the Super Cup.
“It’s crucial for the team to have multiple goal scorers. There may be days when one or two players don’t convert chances, but when others step up, it’s beneficial for the team. This is a positive aspect,” he noted.
“This success comes from our hard work and the confidence among players. Together, we strive to give our best every time. Although our scoring has not been prolific this season, we understand what needs to be done,” he added.
