Pune FC face East Bengal in a crucial I-League Round-10 encounter at the Barasat Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking at the pre-match Press Conference, Pune FC Assistant Coach Gift Raikhan and skipper Arata Izumi shared their views on the upcoming game.
Asked about his thoughts on the game, Coach Raikhan said, “The game against East Bengal will be a tough one. They have a very good squad with top attackers. Not just the foreigners, but East Bengal also have good Indian players. But we have worked hard and are ready for this challenge”
Giving an update on the team, he said “We do have a few injury problems and some players will be missing from the action like Anas (Edathodika), Lalramluaha (Hmar), Lalrempuia (Fanai) and Prakash (Thorat). However, the atmosphere in the team is very good. The boys are positive and ready to give their best; and I hope they will rise up to the occasion.”
Speaking about the recent results, Coach Raikhan added, “Yes we are under pressure (after the previous result). But I have been working with the senior team for two years and even more with other players who have come through the system. So I know the players. We have faith in our abilities and will give our best against East Bengal.”
Skipper Arata Izumi added, “We are here to give our best. All players are definitely motivated and we are eager to get the result. We will be working as per the plan of the coach and will be looking for three points.”
