ISL - Franco Colomba: Victory over NorthEast United FC was very important and we played well

FC Pune City coach Franco Colomba was very happy with his team’s win over NorthEast United FC

FC Pune City took home a deserving 3 points, as they defeated NorthEast United FC. And it showed too. Right from the opening minutes of the game till the final whistle blew, FC Pune City kept pressing on. While they did get the goal, and also the three points subsequently, they had to dig deep into the last five minutes of the regulation time to do so.

NorthEast on the other hand tried their usual style of play passing down the flanks and crossing into the centre which was well anticipated by Colomba who had closed down the game on those quarters for them.

Speaking at the post match conference a quiet Ricki Herbert said, “To sum up the game it was one of those days when we just didn't play well. We have been like the other sides in the competition and we threw in a bad one (game) tonight. Yes it is disappointing but we didn't play tonight. We can reflect on the result but it is time for us to move on to the next game.”

While Herbert did go on to mention that they 'were just not there' he did say that there was one positive which was TP Rehenesh the NorthEast United goalkeeper, who not just made some amazing saves but denied Pune a good five to six straight scoring chances. He said, “I have always said right from the beginning that he is a wonderful player and that he is a quality player who has helped the team over the last five games. He was wonderful tonight and if there are any positives to draw on from the game it would be his performance. I think we need to look at the next challenge for us, which is Chennai and hopefully that will be a good game”

A visibly buoyany Franco Colomba said, “I think the victory was an important one after the loss (in the last match). I spoke to the players and we worked (with the players). I think it was (a) difficult week for us or any other team to play three matches in a week, but we played well (tonight).”

Colomba in particular was critical about the playing calendar, saying, “I think it is very very important for the ISL to review this calendar, because (it) is not simple for the players (and) the team,” he said.

Of course he was laughing when he was questioned about the celebration post the goal. Speaking on whether it was more out of joy or relief he said, “It was a good game. I think (we) played very well and I don't know (anything) about the referee but I was happy for the team. They played very well today.”

On the question whether the body language of the team changed after Trezeguet's substitution, he said, “Trezeguet (had) good movement for the players. Bolardo played well on the side (flank) for the players. In (the) second half, (we) moved the ball faster. Trezeguet's substitution (was) important. It changed (the) game. But all players (are) very good and they have (different) styles. Dudu made the game strong after Trezeguet it (the game play) became (more) offensive.”

Pune had around five to six clear chances to score during the game but were unable to. Speaking on that he said that this was the first time that they were playing with three mid-fielders and that there were chances that were missed, but that did not mean that there were issues with the strike force of the team.

“I think, in my brain, (if) we have strong mid-fielders in the team then there (is) a good attack (and) a good defence. That was important. In this match it was very very important. But there were three matches (in a row). The (recovery) time for the players was very less. It was difficult,” he said.

He went on to summarise that it was a good game for the spectators. “It was (a) good game for (the) sport of football in India,” he said.