We need to play more games and the team will improve-Miguel Martinez

The Stallions were edged out in the Maha Derby by Mumbai..

The Fitness Coach for FC Pune City, Miguel Martinez, who is leading the side in Jose Antonio Habas’ absence was defiant after the game. FC Pune City lost 1-0 at home to rivals Mumbai City FC in the opening fixture for both sides. On being asked about the striking options, Martinez responded saying, “We have Tato as the striker. We are not missing any players. Which are the best players to win the game? We almost won.” What Pune seemed to lack was a finishing touch, something maybe their original marquee player, Eidur Gudjohnsen could’ve provided. The Spaniard spoke about the loss of Gudjohnsen, “We took our time. Before the league (we) chose what we thought will be the best marquee for us. When we missed Eidur, obviously we have a problem because he's a striker. Obviously we have good strikers in our team.” Momo Sissoko’s debut though should not be far, as the coach confirmed, “Now, for the last 3-4 days we have another marquee, he's doing his role now. He will play in the next games. We'll try to cover the miss of Eidur with Sissoko.” Pune overall did manage to create the better chances, something that the coach also pointed out. He pointed out the fact that his sude created 3-4 chances to score the goal, including one that the keeper saved while Mumbai shot twice to score one goal. Yet, Martinez was able to take positives from the game, think we take a lot of positives. From my point of view, we didn't play good but we kept our pace and intensity until the last minute. That is the positive for us. We played the right combinations so we can take a lot of positives for the team.” He continued, “Around 83-84% of the players are new and it's not easy to build a team just like that. We need to play more games and the team will improve.” Miguel Martinez ended the press conference with reassuring news for Pune fans, “All the players are okay. We did tactical substations to try and change the game.” The Stallions travel to last year’s finalists Goa next before hosting three home games in a row.