Pradyum Reddy hints at attacking gameplay, Eelco Schattorie looking to exploit Pune City

Both the head coaches sounded optimistic about getting three points from Tuesday's game.

FC Pune City emerged victorious for the first time this season, as they defeated a Tim Cahill-less Jamshedpur FC at home. With the win, the Stallions jumped to the eighth position in the Indian Super League (ISL) table and will be hosting NorthEast United this week.

The Highlanders are in great form this season, as they have 14 points from seven games and currently stand fourth in the table. NorthEast will be a stern test for Pradyum Reddy's side, as they look to take another step towards the revival of their season.

The coaches of both the teams met with the media prior to the game:

Coach’s Corner

Pradyum Reddy (Pune City)

Asked about whether there is a sense of positivity and confidence in the team since the last game Reddy answered, “Yes, obviously we could see that from the last game we won after the international break. We have a good system of work with the players. You could see that the players are ready to go out there as we have had good 10 days of training. That was evident from our performance against Jamshedpur.

The former Bengaluru FC assistant coach went on to speak about the team’s approach to the game saying, “We tried to have more of a conservative system in previous games, but then it didn’t get us results that we wanted. So, with the attacking options we have in our squad, I think it is best for us to go with a more attacking mindset. We need to pick up those three points as it is unaffordable to settle for a draw, especially after looking at the table. We need to move upwards in the table and that is why we need to have the attacking mindset.

Eelco Schattorie (NorthEast United)

As for the Highlanders’ coach, Eelco Schattorie looked tired since the team have travelled a great distance. After taking his time to settle down, the Dutchman went on to speak with the media.

The tactician was asked about the team’s impressive record, especially in away games this season to which he answered, “First of all, the preparation was not ideal, but sometimes that’s a part of the game indeed.”

He went on to explain the team’s long and hectic journey, citing physical challenges for the players.

“Regarding the game tomorrow, we will try to continue what we are doing. We’ll try to go for the three points.”

NorthEast have failed to secure a win in Pune in the four games they've played in the city and Schattorie spoke about whether that will have an effect on the team saying, “We have had the the best start to the season so far and so the past results are not very important. For me, what is important is that we get a win if possible tomorrow.”

“On the other hand, Pune are more under pressure if you take a look at both sides. We need to maintain the position in which we are, while Pune need to climb up. It’s going to be an interesting game.”

“I think Pune has a lot of individual quality as they have a lot of good individual players that can make a difference. I know the weaknesses of Pune and hopefully we can exploit them.”

ALSO READ 

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• From Albert Roca to Carles Cuadrat: Deciphering the evolution of Bengaluru FC

Team News

FC Pune City

All players in the squad are fit and available for selection.

NorthEast United

There are a few injuries in the squad, but the coach refused to reveal them.

Probable Lineup

FC Pune City- Kamaljit (GK), Panwar, Gurtej, Mills, Ashutosh, Adil, Stankovic, Marcelinho, Ashique, Carlos, Hume.

NorthEast United- Pawan (GK), Robert, Komorski, Grgic, Reagan, Borges, Leudo, Gallego, Lalthathanga, Redeem, Ogbeche.

Did You Know?

• NorthEast have already got more points and wins than their last season and have also equalled their goal tally of last season.

• Pune City have won against the Highlanders on both occasions in the last season.

• The Stallions’ forward Iain Hume is the only player in the ISL to feature in all its five editions.

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Broadcast

The match will take place on Tuesday at 7:30 PM at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sporting Complex in Pune. On television, the match will be live on Star Sports Network. Meanwhile, it will also be streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.