New Delhi: FC Pune City and Mumbai City FC resume their rivalry in the Indian Super League’s Season Four when they lock horns in Pune on Wednesday.
Both teams lost their opening games, with Mumbai going down 0-2 to Bengaluru FC and Pune suffering a 2-3 defeat at the hands of Delhi Dynamos. The Maharashtra clubs hit back with victories, with Pune especially impressive in their 4-1 demolition of ATK in Kolkata.
Pune coach Ranko Popovic said he was disappointed that his team couldn’t win their first game at home but at the same time, he was incredibly pleased with their showing against the defending champions.
“It was a very crucial and important step for us to get our first three points and we will try to do the same at home. But it was especially important because this club doesn’t have a great record at winning away games,” the Serb said.
Mumbai City’s Alexandre Guimarães will be cautious of Pune attackers Emiliano Alfaro and Marcelinho, who have two goals each already.
The Costa Rican acknowledged Pune’s attacking prowess and hinted that his players will be careful on match day.
“The goals that they’ve scored came from very precise attacks. And when a team can do that, you have to make sure you don’t make mistakes because then they will punish you,” he said.
Mumbai play Kerala Blasters away next while Pune have back-to-back matches at home. Points from these two games could consolidate their position in the top four as they already sit in second place.
