It’s one more competition for us, and we are doing everything to keep up the motivation- Ranko Popovic

The Serbian gaffer played an attacking form of football and made history by leading Pune to their first ever play-offs this season.

The Rajesh Wadhawan Group and Bollywood star Arjun Kapoor co-owned Indian Super League franchise FC Pune City is back in action. Under stewardship of ‘fan favourite’ head coach Ranko Popovic, the team is getting ready for Super Cup.

“It’s one more competition for us, and we are doing everything to keep up the motivation and put in the same efforts as we put during the ISL,” said Popovic after completing a gruelling practice session on Monday.

The coach felt his team shouldn’t only be prepared physically but also mentally since all of them joined back after a break post ISL season. “Like ISL teams, even the I-League teams will come with the intention to win Super Cup, so we cant give anything less than 100% for this,” impressed the Serbian.

After seeing the qualifying rounds, coach was impressed with the quality of competition and said the tournament should bode well for Indian football to grow in the near future. “For us every competition is a competition, be it ISL, Super Cup or anywhere else we participate. I want my players to be ready for any challenge and show the urge to play at the highest level,” the coach remarked. 

Popovic and his entire squad returned to Pune on March19 to start training. Barring Vishal Kaith, who is on national duties, Popovic has the entire squad at his disposal for the tournament in Bhubaneshwar.

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A few weeks back, Popovic was picked as the ‘Fan Favourite’ for 2017-18 season of ISL. “We had a fantastic season creating history. Our players realised their true potential as we made it to top but they should work harder for the next season,” pointed Popovic.