FC Pune City were among the top spenders in the first ever Indian Super League (ISL) auction and snapped up top India internationals, namely Jackichand Singh and Eugeneson Lyngdoh in a bid to better their performances from last time around. The owners have not only managed to add glitz to the franchise by signing exciting on field talent, but also set up a strong technical staff to ensure a rise in the ‘Puneri’ zeal to be champions.
David Platt has been named as head coach for this season and the former Manchester City assistant will look to ensure that a strong pre-season results in his side being well prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, once the ball gets rolling on October 3.
"Everything is going on really well. Everyone is liking it here in Turkey. The facilities are excellent and we've decided to extend our stay here. We hope to be back in India in the best post possible shape," said Platt.
The Wadhawan Group co-owned franchise will walk into ISL season two, after spending massive amounts of money on foreign recruits with Roger Johnson and Tuncay Sanli among the latest additions. Pune look well fortified in every department on paper and their manager agrees to the buzz about his franchise being the favourites to win season two.
"Yes, we would like to consider that. We've gone on and bought well. We have brought in the targets that we've wanted. I have said this before and I will say this again, we will be among the favourites.” Platt told during a media interaction.
The Deccan franchise will look to hit the ground running early this season after a dismal performance last time around wherein they finished sixth. The necessary arsenal has been installed by the owners in the form of the signings made and Platt is pleased with the choices available to him.
"Adrian Mutu and all the others who’ve come in are exceptionally good talents. We have a very exciting squad. Yes, Eugenson (Lyngdoh) and Jacki (Jackichand Singh) and the rest of the India squad players will not be available for a couple of games but it gives us 11 games with them. Their quality will certainly be an addition in those games." Platt expressed.
“I have no problem with expectations, we have to work hard and do well. It's as simple as that," the Englishman added.
Panaji: Before it all came crashing at Chelsea FC and later Fiorentina when he was banned for failing an anti-doping test, Adrian Mutu was the golden boy of Romanian football. Romania's joint top international goalscorer with 35 goals (sharing the distinction with Gheorghe Hagi) and FC Pune City's marquee player, Mutu now hopes for another chance to set the record straight. Excerpts from an exclusive telephonic interview with TOI on Sunday.
Your move to FC Pune City is out of compulsion or choice?
I had offers from a couple of European clubs but I chose FC Pune City. I am grateful to the president after what happened last year. I could not get to India on time and he behaved very well with me. I appreciate that. It was one of the reason why I chose to stick with FC Pune City.
You did not play competitive football for almost a year. Won't that make it tough for you?
I didn't play for almost nine months but I have been working hard in training. The pre-season here (in Turkey) has helped a great deal. I know there is lot of work ahead of me but I am sure I will be in good shape when the tournament starts next month.
Are you happy with those around you at FC Pune City?
I think we have a very good team. I know these are early days but I am impressed by the Indian players. I did not expect them to be so good. Of course, they lack experience but they are all good players.
You are 36 now. How many more years do you give yourself at the top?
I don't know. I still have that passion for playing football and I will keep doing it even after India. But, honestly, I cannot put a time frame on it. Let me see how this (season) goes and then I will take a call.
You had an unremarkable past, especially those days at Chelsea FC, Fiorentina and subsequent bans for failing anti-doping test. Do you get upset when someone reminds you of your past?
All this is something of the past but I know it's going to follow me wherever I go for the rest of my life. There is no denying I made mistakes. But everyone makes mistakes, isn't it? Those days are all behind me.
You are Romania's joint top international goalscorer, alongside the great Gheorghe Hagi. Any regrets that you could not surpass his record?
For that to happen, I have to get another chance. I am now focused on FC Pune City and the ISL, and I hope I will be in good shape at the end of it all to get a call from the national team.
But you have been banned from the national team after you compared the coach to Mr Bean!
I had a problem with the former coach (Victor Piturca) who is now no longer in charge. I am sure I will get another chance.
Romania are ranked seventh in the world at the moment but have not played in the World Cup since 1998.
Maybe it's because I did not score enough goals. In the (World Cup) qualifiers, we came up short, but Romania will play in the European Championship (2016) and I think we will finally qualify for the World Cup. It's not beyond us.
PUNE: Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Pune City have strengthened their attacking options by signing Nigerian midfielder Kalu Uche and Dutch striker Wesley Verhoek for the 2015 edition of the league, beginning on October 3.
Kalu has previously played for French team Bordeaux and Spanish sides Almeria, Levante and Espanyol. Verhoekhas played for Dutch side ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord.
Both expressed their happiness at the prospect of joining Pune.
"Seeing some of the top footballers signed up with FC Pune City, I felt this would be a great opportunity as well a new challenge for me. I hope to share my experience with the Indian boys and help the team become champions," said the Nigerian in a release on Tuesday.
"FC Pune City also has a great line up so sharing the locker room with some of the legends of the game will only add further value to my game," said Wesley.
Pune coach David Platt said, "In both Wesley and Kalu we have satisfied our requirements and have 2 very important players who will compliment what we already have. I can't wait until they are with us and we are complete."
Pune earlier completed the signing of Romanian star Adrian Mutu as their marquee player. The team is currently undergoing its pre-tournament training in Turkey.
Meanwhile Kushal Das said, since ISL is 4th most watched league in the world, the problem of running I League and ISL is a good problem and AIFF would like to face such problems.
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David Platt has been named as head coach for this season and the former Manchester City assistant will look to ensure that a strong pre-season results in his side being well prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, once the ball gets rolling on October 3.
"Everything is going on really well. Everyone is liking it here in Turkey. The facilities are excellent and we've decided to extend our stay here. We hope to be back in India in the best post possible shape," said Platt.
The Wadhawan Group co-owned franchise will walk into ISL season two, after spending massive amounts of money on foreign recruits with Roger Johnson and Tuncay Sanli among the latest additions. Pune look well fortified in every department on paper and their manager agrees to the buzz about his franchise being the favourites to win season two.
"Yes, we would like to consider that. We've gone on and bought well. We have brought in the targets that we've wanted. I have said this before and I will say this again, we will be among the favourites.” Platt told during a media interaction.
The Deccan franchise will look to hit the ground running early this season after a dismal performance last time around wherein they finished sixth. The necessary arsenal has been installed by the owners in the form of the signings made and Platt is pleased with the choices available to him.
"Adrian Mutu and all the others who’ve come in are exceptionally good talents. We have a very exciting squad. Yes, Eugenson (Lyngdoh) and Jacki (Jackichand Singh) and the rest of the India squad players will not be available for a couple of games but it gives us 11 games with them. Their quality will certainly be an addition in those games." Platt expressed.
“I have no problem with expectations, we have to work hard and do well. It's as simple as that," the Englishman added.
Your move to FC Pune City is out of compulsion or choice?
I had offers from a couple of European clubs but I chose FC Pune City. I am grateful to the president after what happened last year. I could not get to India on time and he behaved very well with me. I appreciate that. It was one of the reason why I chose to stick with FC Pune City.
You did not play competitive football for almost a year. Won't that make it tough for you?
I didn't play for almost nine months but I have been working hard in training. The pre-season here (in Turkey) has helped a great deal. I know there is lot of work ahead of me but I am sure I will be in good shape when the tournament starts next month.
Are you happy with those around you at FC Pune City?
I think we have a very good team. I know these are early days but I am impressed by the Indian players. I did not expect them to be so good. Of course, they lack experience but they are all good players.
You are 36 now. How many more years do you give yourself at the top?
I don't know. I still have that passion for playing football and I will keep doing it even after India. But, honestly, I cannot put a time frame on it. Let me see how this (season) goes and then I will take a call.
You had an unremarkable past, especially those days at Chelsea FC, Fiorentina and subsequent bans for failing anti-doping test. Do you get upset when someone reminds you of your past?
All this is something of the past but I know it's going to follow me wherever I go for the rest of my life. There is no denying I made mistakes. But everyone makes mistakes, isn't it? Those days are all behind me.
You are Romania's joint top international goalscorer, alongside the great Gheorghe Hagi. Any regrets that you could not surpass his record?
For that to happen, I have to get another chance. I am now focused on FC Pune City and the ISL, and I hope I will be in good shape at the end of it all to get a call from the national team.
But you have been banned from the national team after you compared the coach to Mr Bean!
I had a problem with the former coach (Victor Piturca) who is now no longer in charge. I am sure I will get another chance.
Romania are ranked seventh in the world at the moment but have not played in the World Cup since 1998.
Maybe it's because I did not score enough goals. In the (World Cup) qualifiers, we came up short, but Romania will play in the European Championship (2016) and I think we will finally qualify for the World Cup. It's not beyond us.
Kalu has previously played for French team Bordeaux and Spanish sides Almeria, Levante and Espanyol. Verhoekhas played for Dutch side ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord.
Both expressed their happiness at the prospect of joining Pune.
"Seeing some of the top footballers signed up with FC Pune City, I felt this would be a great opportunity as well a new challenge for me. I hope to share my experience with the Indian boys and help the team become champions," said the Nigerian in a release on Tuesday.
"FC Pune City also has a great line up so sharing the locker room with some of the legends of the game will only add further value to my game," said Wesley.
Pune coach David Platt said, "In both Wesley and Kalu we have satisfied our requirements and have 2 very important players who will compliment what we already have. I can't wait until they are with us and we are complete."
Pune earlier completed the signing of Romanian star Adrian Mutu as their marquee player. The team is currently undergoing its pre-tournament training in Turkey.