The hard working Ryuji Sueoka is Pune FC’s engine in the midfield. Having plied his trade in India for more than five years now, Sueoka has earned the distinction of being one of the most consistent overseas player in the country.
Currently in Goa for the 36th Federation Cup, PuneFC.com caught up with Sueoka for a quick chat.
Excerpts;
What are your thoughts about Pune FC’s performance in the Durand Cup and the King’s Cup?
Actually I am a little disappointed by the result. We ended up finishing as runners-up in both the tournaments. In both the competitions we played very well. We were much better than our opponents. So yes, I am a little disappointed that we didn’t win them.
What are your thoughts on the team, the matches played up until now and the upcoming I-League?
Well we have played against the I-League clubs in the Durand Cup, and we performed very well. In the Kings Cup we played against Mohun Bagan and won. In comparison to the other clubs in India, like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, we have a very talented bunch of young players here. And that is a very good thing. Also, it is because of such a good team, that I am very confident of facing the bigger teams in the I-League this season.
As compared to the other clubs that you have played with or against, what is it about Pune FC that stands out? Something that you like more about them as compared to the other clubs in the I-League?
I have played with a lot of other clubs in India in the I-League. If you compare the other clubs with Pune FC, this is the best organised club, I have played with. I have found myself at home here and I like this club. The team is training well, we are also working together and that is important. In addition we have a very good coach, management, and coaching staff. It’s very professional.
You have won the Federation Cup with Salgaocar FC in the past. In your view, what do we need to win the Federation Cup?
Sometimes we need luck to win tournaments. And given that the Federation Cup is a tournament which has a very short duration, we need it here too. Luck is a factor but we have to work very hard as always to get the results we want. We were runners-up in two tournaments already. And we have a chance to get title back home this time and we will work very hard to get it. I am confident that we can do it but as I said we also need a little luck at times.
What is your message to the fans for this tournament?
This is my first year at Pune FC. And I still do not know a lot of things about the club, but I can say one thing, I appreciate the club a lot. In my journey so far it has been a very good experience. The coach, the management and the staff are all very good. All I can say is I will do my best to help the team win the Federation Cup, so that we can bring the cup back home, for the supporters.
