U Mumba hope to correct defensive issues ahead of home leg

U Mumba coach E Bhaskaran spelt out the drawbacks in the former champions' defensive line-up as they enter their home phase of the Pro Kabaddi League from Wednesday.

According to the coach, the team's defence is committing mistakes during the do-or-die raids and are not waiting till the last second on the clock before making their moves.

"I am not at all happy with our performance in defence, especially during the do-or-die raids. They have to wait till the last second. The lack of understanding is a cause for some concern. Unfortunately our defence has not been up to mark and have unfortunately not worked very well for us. I cannot continue to use that excuse and will hope that we play a more balanced team through this leg," said Bhaskaran ahead of the team's home leg at the NSCI Stadium on Tuesday.

U Mumba are lying fifth on the table with 27 points from nine games. The Anup Kumar-led side are to play against state rivals Puneri Palton (July 20), Telugu Titans (July 21), Bengal Warriors (July 22) and Bengaluru Bulls (July 23) to conclude their home leg before clashing with Dabang Delhi in the latter's backyard on July 27 to complete their league phase.

Playing four consecutive games at home should give U Mumba a slight advantage, but Bhaskaran is taking nothing for granted. "We have to win three of our remaining five games. But for me, the challenge is to win all five games. Only post those victories will I be able to breathe easy."

Agreeing with the coach was none other than Kumar who said that the upcoming home stretch will be make or break for last year's semifinalists. "Yes, if we don't do it here, how else will we make it? This is our last chance. And we will put in our 100 per cent"