Pune: FC Pune City would look to improve upon their poor record against Delhi Dynamos FC (DDFC) when they open their ISL-IV campaign here Wednesday. In their six encounters in the ISL history, FC Pune City have managed to defeat Delhi Dynamos only once.
So, when the two teams meet at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex here, FC Pune City’s new head coach Ranko Popovic will be hoping to do one better.
“I’m excited about our first match. We have had enough time to prepare. The players are also very excited. I hope we’ll be able to do what we want to and that is to win,” the Serbian tactician stated here Tuesday.
The 50-year-old manager, who is in India for the first time, has plenty of firepower at his disposal. Last season’s top-scorer Marcelino, who made the switch from Delhi to Pune along with Kean Lewis, will be the ones to watch out for. The duo netted 14 times last season.
For DDFC, it is all about building on from last season. The Delhi side have made it to the play-offs in two of the three previous editions of the ISL, but they are yet to play the summit clash round. For their new Spanish manager Miguel Angel Portugal, that will be the target.
“It is important to start well. This first match is a test for what my players are capable of. I think the competition is very balanced. The way I see it, anyone can win the title this season. I would certainly like to make a winning start,” Portugal said at the match-eve press conference.