Pune FC face city rivals Bharat FC in the second Pune Derby of the season at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Sunday.
Pune FC Assistant Coach Gift Raikhan who attended the pre-match Press Conference was positive and gave his views ahead of the final stretch of games.
Speaking about playing the last four away games beginning this derby, Asst. Coach Gift Raikhan said, “There is no real advantage of playing home or away. This is football and we have to perform well wherever we play. We have to also think about the upcoming few matches when we travel away. But we will take it one game at a time.”
Weighing up opponents, he added, “We respect our opponents Bharat FC. They are a good side and also have a good coach. We have analysed them and have worked accordingly. We will have a few players missing due to injuries and suspensions but we have a good squad.”
Pune FC midfielder Arata Izumi was excited ahead of his first Pune Derby, having missed the first one due to suspension. He said, “The Pune Derby a very important game. Having spent six years in Pune, it was my desire to play in a local derby if there was another team in the city. It will be great if we have passionate support from both sets of fans and make this derby day special.”
