Pune: These days Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira is a busy man. With the historic-first encounter against Blackburn Rovers scheduled for Friday, 7th October, 2011 added to his 2011-12 schedule, the coach has been working overtime both on and off the field giving out a plethora of interviews to media either in person or on phone.
After all not always have these dream matches come calling to town. And with Friday’s game against an English Premier League (EPL) side the coach has been subjected to every possible line of questioning.
Pune FC’s pre-match practice at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi was no different with Derrick moving from camera to camera apart from the shutterbugs constantly capturing every movement involving him and the team.
He said, “The game is a huge game no doubt. But above all it presents a very great opportunity for us to learn.”
As practice continued with players enjoying a light session apart from a few last minute instructions, Derrick added, “I have been telling all that one has to just enjoy the game put up a good show for our fans.”
With regular ‘keeper Subrata Paul and striker Mandjou Keita ruled out of the game due to injury, Derrick opines, “As a coach you will always want to have the entire squad at your disposal. Subrata and Keita are key player for us, but this provides an opportunity for the younger players to step up. I look forward to the youngsters stepping up and giving a good account of themselves”
Commenting on his team’s mid-set before the big game, Derrick smiles, “Yes the spirit of the team is good and the players are looking forward to the game tomorrow. We have one of the most passionate fans in the country and we want to put a good show for them,” he added.
Pune FC’s most capped player and midfielder Shanmugam Venkatesh will lead the 22-member squad in this historic first match in India.
Venkatesh with over 15 years experience is one of the most decorated players of the country, which includes leading India during the pre-World Cup qualifiers in held between 2005 and 2007. Venkatesh carries into the game National team experience of 11 years.
Venkatesh adds, “We are ready for history and to unfold a good game for our fans who will be turning out in numbers for the game. Our fans know us and on their behalf we need to keep our reputation by playing well which will be our mission in the game.”
He added, “The result does not matter… everybody is aware who Blackburn are. For Pune FC fans matter.”
THE TEAM
Goalkeepers: Shahinlal Meloly, Amrinder Singh
Defenders: Othallo Tabia, Caitano Costa, Chika Wali, Gurjinder Kumar, Anas Edathodika, Kamaljeet Kumar, Srikant Ramu, Rollingson Hungyo
Midfielders: Shanmugam Venkatesh, Baldeep Singh, Arata Izumi, Douhou Pierre, Karma Tsewang, Paresh Shivalkar, Lester Fernandez, Jayashelan Prasad, Maninder Singh
Striker: Jeje Lalpekhula, Subash Singh, Duncan Tarley
Manager: Dr Ashok Kumar, Coach: Derrick Pereira, Physio: Tariq Shaikh; Kit Boy: Prashant Naidu
