Super Cup, preview: FC Pune City bank on collective experience against 'young' Shillong Lajong

Bhubaneswar, April 3: Indian Super League semi-finalists FC Pune City are 'smart enough and intelligent' to swing the tie against Shillong Lajong FC when they face the northeastern side in the Super Cup Round of 16 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday (April 4). The Serbian coach Ranko Popovic was wary of the threat posed by Lajong though, saying they 'have to be top of the game' to get the better of the 'young and smart' Shillong Lajong FC.

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"It is a completely different competition. We had an amazing season having finished in the semifinals of ISL. This is going be a key battle on the pitch tomorrow. We have to stay motivated to get the result in our way," Popovic said. "I believe, we are enough smart and intelligent to get the job done. Meanwhile, we have a fair knowledge of their credentials and we know how much damage they can do. We have to absolutely at the top of our game to proceed further", the 50-year-old coach added.

Brazilian @marcelinholeite is a true asset for @PuneCityFC. The winger’s pace and playing style can easily drive the team closer to the coveted trophy #HeroSuperCup #OdishaTheNewSportsCapital pic.twitter.com/xQjQyeddPF

— Sports & Youth Dept. (@dsys_odisha) April 2, 2018

On being asked whether FC Pune City will start the favourites in the tie, Popovic brushed off the suggestions saying, "We have big respect for them. The league standing is not important and it's history now. A team always pushes their limits when there is only one match to prove their mettle.

"Lajong has a perfect blend of young as well as experienced players. On the other hand, what made us strong this season is our collective team effort. We'll stick to our philosophy to overcome our next hurdle."

The young turk Samuel Lalmuanpuia is a key player in the skilled @lajongfc midfield that literally moves like a ferris-wheel. If he can get going, very few teams will obstruct their road to #HeroSuperCup trophy. #OdishaTheNewSportsCapital pic.twitter.com/txN7tJh3oA

— Sports & Youth Dept. (@dsys_odisha) March 30, 2018

Midfielder Adil Khan, who had a sublime season, reiterated the same. "There's always a chance to make a comeback in the league. But, in the Cup competition, you have to be mentally strong. We want to settle it within 90 minutes only. We know how fast and energetic they are. They'll come strong on us. As coach said, we want to win the trophy for our fans," he said.

Shillong Lajong interim coach Alison Kharsyntiew sees this a 'great exposure' for the young bunch of players and expressed that they are looking forward to nothing less than a win.

Well versed with the art on all professional levels, @PunecityFC will expect to create some magic during the #HeroSuperCup #OdishaTheNewSportsCapital pic.twitter.com/yhvOATxgWI

— Sports & Youth Dept. (@dsys_odisha) March 30, 2018

"It's a great opportunity to test ourselves against a team like FC Pune City. We have built our team with a young bunch of players. It's a great opportunity for them to gain experience and a good exposure as well. We're looking forward to nothing less than a win tomorrow," the coach said.

However, Kharsyntiew was worried about the heat and the humidity of Bhubaneswar, suggesting it might take a toll on the Lajong players. "Yes, the heat and the humidity is an issue. But, we are here to compete and we're working hard to put up a good fight. We are not here to give lame excuses," he said.

"We are putting extra effort into maintaining the fitness level throughout. Nutrition and hydration are very important to combat the humidity and we're taking care of those aspects," the Lajong assistant coach said.

Daniel Odafin has been a vital cog in the Lajong setup this season and the Nigerian defender is determined to churn out a win to stay alive in the tournament.

"We worked pretty hard for last two weeks. We want a win desperately. We are here to give our best to seal a win tomorrow," he said.

FC Pune City vs Shillong Lajong

Super Cup

Live from Kalinga Stadium

At 8 pm (Wednesday, April 3)

On Star Sports 2 and Hotstar

Source: AIFF Media