Mumbai, December 10: Mumbai City FC has officially named Petr Kratky as the new head coach of the club, replacing Des Buckingham. Kratky, who previously worked with Melbourne City, will remain in the position until the conclusion of the 2024–25 season.
Born in the Czech Republic, Kratky had a distinguished 15-year playing career as a right back, representing major Czech clubs such as Mlada Boleslav and Slovan Liberec. After ending his playing career with Heidelberg United in Australia, he turned to coaching. Starting out as an academy coach at Melbourne City, Kratky managed the developmental squad in the NPL2 before moving on to coaching the NPL seniors.
Expressing his excitement for the new role, Kratky said, “I am excited to embrace this new opportunity at Mumbai City FC and continue to work as part of the City Football Group. One of the things I value most within CFG is that we are aligned with the same vision and philosophy of playing the City way.”
𝗔 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗱𝗮𝘄𝗻 ✨
मुंबई, say hello to #TheIslanders’ new Head Coach – Petr Kratky! 👋🩵#WelcomePetr #AamchiCity 🔵 @PetrKratky pic.twitter.com/BFPj2Dsjtq
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) December 9, 2023
Kratky highlighted the strong foundation laid by Mumbai City FC and expressed his eagerness to contribute to the long-term success of the club by maintaining a winning legacy with an attractive style of football.
He expressed his gratitude to the Melbourne City FC family and acknowledged their special place in his heart. After moving to Mumbai in October 2021, Kratky worked as an assistant coach for Melbourne City’s first team, and was instrumental in their back-to-back A-League Men’s Premier titles in 2021–22 and 2022–23 .
Petr Kratky is set to join Mumbai City FC’s camp in India and will make his debut as head coach in the Indian Super League on December 12 when Mumbai City FC faces FC Goa.
