Pune City will be difficult, but we have to win: Atletico's Josemi

Atletico de Kolkata defender Josemi speaks ahead of their tie against FC Pune City.

Kolkata, Nov 27 (IANS) Ahead of their second leg encounter against FC Pune City in the Indian Super League (ISL), Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) defender Josemi exuded confidence of doing well and asserted his team was determined to reach the knockouts.

"It will be a difficult game but we have to win. We want to reach the playoffs, but losing the game can make it difficult," the former Liverpool defender said at the Salt Lake Stadium here Thursday.

Currently in second spot on the points table, ATK take on the Hrithik Roshan co-owned FC Pune City Saturday at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune.

Josemi also refused to read much into midfielder Ofentse Nato, who will be missing the next match due to suspension.

"Nato is a very important player but his absence gives players like Jofre Mateu to play with added responsibility. We have a squad of 23 players, it won't be a problem," said Josemi.

Also addressing the media, Indian and Atletico defender Nallapan Mohanraj said each player in the team had a definite responsibility but adapt according to a given situation.

"Each player has a different role in the team but if one gets injured there are players available as replacements," said Mohanraj. "Credit goes to Pune City on winning the first leg, the goals were of highest quality. But this time around we should not commit the same mistakes we did earlier," Mohanraj said about their last encounter which ATK lost 1-3 at home.

On former Arsenal midfielder Jermaine Pennant, now turning out for Pune, being a threat to Atletico's defence, Josemi stated that he is a good player, but he was only concerned about his own team.

"He is a good player but for me my team is most important," added Josemi.