Jamshedpur: Pune FC is up against another unknown Goan opponent in Sporting Clube Goa in the Under-20 I-League 2013 at the Gopal Stadium, Jamshedpur, on Saturday.
Having begun with a flourish, the disappointing loss to Salgaocar FC turned out to be set-back for Pune FC title-defence. However, Pune FC is keen to get on and aims to get back on the winning track.
Pune FC Youth Development Head, Ranjan Chowdhury, says, “The result no doubt put all down. But, honestly, a result like this (1-2 to SFC) is a wake-up call.”
“We are taking the loss in the positive way and have discussed with all that the best way to forget is come out strongly with a solid performance.”
Pune FC on Friday, like before, went through a recovery session, with a light work-out and sharpening key areas of concern at the JRD Complex (Archery ground). The session was less than an hour and was mixed with fun drills.
“The boys needed a change to keep away from thoughts of the last match,” explained Ranjan.
Pune FC (3 points) are currently joint leaders in Group-A with Salgaocar FC, while Sporting Club (2 pts; 2 matches), United Sikkim FC (1 pt; 1 match) and Prayag United SC (1
pt; 2 matches) follow.
While the match is the second for the day - 3.00pm kick off – the thought of not playing in early afternoon heat (1.00pm) comes as a respite for Pune FC. “The conditions are tough and energy sapping in every first match scheduled in a day, the cooler temperature will help teams overall.
Pune FC is likely to miss Narendra Vakhare on the morrow. The right-wing back is recovering from a jerk to his back and in fact pulled out of the team practice session on Friday.
Narendra apart, Pune FC is expected to make a couple of changes to the squad. “More than the loss, players need to be fielded in rotation to keep up the momentum.”
With two matches to go, Chowdhury feels, “Nothing is lost. I have confidence in my unit. They are fighters and also understand the need. Our focus is now to get the maximum from the two rounds remaining the Group stage and qualify.”