MARGAO, Dec 14 : Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira believes his team has a good chance of obtaining a positive result when they take on the might of defending champions Dempo Sports Club in a I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday (December 15).
Pune FC have won both of their matches at Fatorda but Derrick believes Dempo will provide them with the fiercest challenge.
“Dempo is among the best teams in the country. They are the defending champions and have some fine players, but the thing that works for us is that our players are self-motivated when they play Dempo. They are bound to give their best,” said Pereira.
Pune FC had comfortable outings against Sporting Clube (2-1) and Salgaocar Football Club (2-0) and believes they can achieve a similar result against the defending champions.
“It all depends on the performance that day. ONGC defeated Dempo so it means they are not invincible. I am just hoping Dempo will have an off day when they play against us,” laughed Pereira.
Pune FC have enjoyed their best ever start to the I-League in four years and are now placed fourth with 17 points. They are eight points adrift of league leaders Dempo (25) but have played a match less.
Dempo, on the other hand, are keen to sustain the winning momentum after that slight blip against ONGC in Delhi. Since that 1-3 loss, Dempo have been on a winning run and coach Armando Colaco feels they should not let the momentum pass.
“We have to continue winning. There will be hassles along the way, players will be out, there will be suspensions, but we need to put everything behind us and perform. I hope the boys think in a similar manner,” said Colaco.
Dempo enjoy a three point advantage over second-placed Churchill Brothers, while East Bengal, whose match against Mohun Bagan was suspended and a decision pending, are placed third with 21 points.
The kick-off is at 5.30pm.
Pune FC have won both of their matches at Fatorda but Derrick believes Dempo will provide them with the fiercest challenge.
“Dempo is among the best teams in the country. They are the defending champions and have some fine players, but the thing that works for us is that our players are self-motivated when they play Dempo. They are bound to give their best,” said Pereira.
Pune FC had comfortable outings against Sporting Clube (2-1) and Salgaocar Football Club (2-0) and believes they can achieve a similar result against the defending champions.
“It all depends on the performance that day. ONGC defeated Dempo so it means they are not invincible. I am just hoping Dempo will have an off day when they play against us,” laughed Pereira.
Pune FC have enjoyed their best ever start to the I-League in four years and are now placed fourth with 17 points. They are eight points adrift of league leaders Dempo (25) but have played a match less.
Dempo, on the other hand, are keen to sustain the winning momentum after that slight blip against ONGC in Delhi. Since that 1-3 loss, Dempo have been on a winning run and coach Armando Colaco feels they should not let the momentum pass.
“We have to continue winning. There will be hassles along the way, players will be out, there will be suspensions, but we need to put everything behind us and perform. I hope the boys think in a similar manner,” said Colaco.
Dempo enjoy a three point advantage over second-placed Churchill Brothers, while East Bengal, whose match against Mohun Bagan was suspended and a decision pending, are placed third with 21 points.
The kick-off is at 5.30pm.
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