Platt insists Pune will go all out for win against Delhi Dynamos

FC Pune City coach David Platt in a File Pic (Image Courtesy ISL)

Commanding wins by FC Goa and Atletico de Kolkata over the last couple of days have ensured that they have surged ahead in the tightly knit ISL table. Following them however are David Platt’s FC Pune City.

In their latest fixture, they are slated to face the Dynamos from Delhi who too are on 15 points; a win thus would be crucial as noted by the gaffer in his interaction the media ahead of the game.

Excerpts:

Hello Coach, has your away form been a concern?

When we don’t win, that’s of concern. I don’t think home and away are huge factors. I don’t look at it as a concern. I look at it as another game against another opposition. I have full belief that we can win the football matches that are ahead of us. Not a concern.

We are approaching the business end of the season. How are you tackling fatigue amongst other factors?

Everything to do at this stage of the season is important. It’s intense. There is obviously travel and heat involved. Even if the rest time is uniform, there is a lot of fatigue. But sometimes you get 4-5 days off. So you have to look at it as whole and realize you have to utilize the players who can perform. Freshen things up. We have plenty of depth in the squad. It is crucial but the majority of our players are available tomorrow. We do have some concerns but full selection.

Has there been some complacency after getting into the top 4? From both Pune and Delhi

No I don’t think it’s a case of complacency. I have observed that most teams have gone through bit of a patch. We have been in the top 4 from pretty early on in the season. Delhi have been there from early on as well. But we look at ourselves solely, at our dressing room. We take a draw, a win or a loss. Sometimes we also have to look at the league as a whole. A lot of teams will prefer to be in our position. We have to look at ourselves and stay positive. Ask ourselves if we can go and win matches. And when those things are present, it makes it very easy for me to be very very positive

Comments on Delhi and their form?

I think if you look at the stats, it’s pretty obvious. they're a difficult team to score against. They wouldn’t have as many times because of the defense. Not scored as much but difficult team to break down. They have a settled team. Not too much rotation.

Any special plans to deal with Riise?

Riise is an experienced player. What’s probably gone unnoticed, with no disrespect to his abilities, is that in the defense, you need people to talk and organize. He has been crucial in those terms as well with his organization and being vocal at the back. John has utilised his experience playing in an unknown position too.

Will you go for the win thus?

I hope so. I will take a draw. I think both teams will look for a win. They will set out for a win. Games can go either way, for any reason. We are here to win the game.