I-LEAGUE Media Team

PUNE: The city will witness its first ever derby on Saturday, when Pune FC lock horns with Bharat FC in a bid to earn the bragging rights over the city, in the Round 14 match of the Hero I-League at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

After a flying start to their campaign, the Red Lizards have found themselves struggling in front of the goal. The attacking flair with which they started the season has somehow faded away as the season has progressed.

Though to be fair to them, they have had their fair share of bad luck owing to injuries at crucial moments and the absence of key players on international duty.

Pune FC are currently on the fourth position with 16 points while Bharat FC are placed eighth and have 10 points in their kitty.

Coach Karim Bencherifa has however not shied away from taking the responsibility for their feeble form after their loss to Royal Wahingdoh.

“My players tried their best. They tried really hard but we lost today and of course, I take full responsibility. I’m the coach and I have to plan solutions to whatever problems we have,” he admitted.

“Every derby clash is important with the hype that surrounds it. It is an important game for the fans and there will be a quite a lot of them who would be interested to experience a derby for the first time. It is definitely a historic game as it’s the first time that Pune has two teams, and both of them are very professional,” Bencherifa said.

On the other hand, his counterpart, Stuart Watkiss of Bharat FC, is a relatively happier man.

Having endured a forgettable start to the season, his side has produced some good results in the past few games. The most promising aspect of their game would be their miserly defensive record.

The Lions have conceded just seven goals so far, fewer than any other team. But the English gaffer has his own set of woes to address. His team has also managed to find the net only 6 times – the lowest in the league.

“Yes, it would be nice if we turn those draws into victories. Again, I’m really happy with the way we defended and also felt that our shape without the ball was excellent. But, we didn’t create much in terms of chances and that’s something we have to work on.

“This is going to be one grand football match and everyone is eagerly looking forward to it. The first ever Pune derby carries a lot of weight and we will be putting all that we have on the pitch. A positive result will set us up very nicely in the second half of the season,” he added.

The Red Lizards would be happy to see their Under-23 contingent – first choice keeper Amrinder Singh, midfielder Nikhil Kadam and striker Thongkhosiem Haokip – return back from international duty to help their cause.

Bharat FC also have the entire squad at their disposal for selection in the derby game.

Come Saturday, will the city be painted red or blue – only time will tell, but the Puneites can brace themselves for a thrilling encounter while heading towards the Shiv Chhatrapti Stadium in Balewadi.

Match KO: Apr 4 @ 7 PM IST (Ten Action)
 

Hashtag: #PFCvKBFC