In a clash of the bottom-dwellers, FC Pune City welcome FC Goa with both the sides struggling this season to challenge for a top four spot. Pune have been disappointing at their home turf and will look to add more misery on Zico's men. In the pre-match press conference, FC Pune City manager Antonio Habas talked about a well deserved six-day rest for his squad and also on a number of issues that were concerning the manager and his team.
FC Pune City are sixth on the points table with just six points in their tally. The Stallions have picked just two points out of a possible 12 at home and their home form has been the poorest among all the teams this season. Pune have gone four matches without a win this season which is the longest streak in ISL 3 and it is also FC Pune City's worst start to an ISL campaign.
Habas, when asked about his team getting a six-day rest said, "It is a well-deserved break for us as we got the team to work with the team a bit more. We are currently in a rebuilding phase as we need time to get used to each other and to build a good squad is the aim at the moment. I am sure with time, wins will come for us as we are on a right track."
Also read: ISL 2016: Zico says development of Indian football is the key to his stay in the country
He was also hopeful of his team's chances to reach the semifinals. "I am sure things will change in the table. We need everyone, right from the fans to the players, everyone's wholehearted support to move ahead from now on. There is no doubt that we have struggled but always remember that tomorrow is a new day and a good moment to make a new start against FC Goa," he added.
The Stallions have struggled on the attacking front as Habas' men have failed to hit the target regularly. On this issue, the former Valencia man said, "Balance is the key between attack and defence. The problem is we aren't finding the right balance between the two and that is why we are struggling. We are getting beaten or getting drawn by a margin of just 1 goal and I am sure we are capable of changing that to our betterment."
FC Pune City will be pleased that they have never lost against Goa at home and with the fact that Antonio Habas has never succumbed to a defeat against tomorrow’s visitors. With a win tomorrow, Pune can leapfrog Kerala Blasters to claim the sixth spot in the table.
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