Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata made little work of semi-final aspirants FC Pune City’s challenge in match 48 of the Hero Indian Super League.
Atletico de Kolkata hammered FC Pune City 4-1 on Friday at the Yuvabharati Kriyanagan, as the defending champions became the first team to confirm its place in the semi-finals, while FC Pune City made it tough for themselves having failed to win a single away match this season.
Atletico de Kolkata coach Antonio Lopez Habas was in a buoyant mood in the post match press conference and was pleased that the hard work that his team put in during the preseason has paid off.
a It’s a combination of discipline, hard work and talent. This is the magic, nothing else. We have worked in Spain for about a month which is working. The mental state of the squad is good and positive.a
Habas was seen praising Iain Hume, who notched his second hat-trick of the season, and has been shouldering the goal scoring responsibility in the absence of their marquee player Helder Postiga.
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a He has been fantastic and brings a lot of positive energy to the side. But I don’t want to pick any player, for me everyone is same.a
The Spaniard was quick to remind that they still have a game and he isna t ready to look so far ahead in the tournament but was happy that his team confirmed a last four berth.
David Platt rues missed chances
FC Pune City manager David Platt was critical of his sidea s inability to finish of the chances, while having a sly dig at the referee for Humea s first goal.
a Somebody asked me whether it was an offisde? But it’s irrelevant now. It was given a goal and probably the video footage will show what it is.
a I don’t think the scoreline reflects our performance. After being 0-1 down, we played our way back into game, we started to create chances and dominate the possession, we hit the post thrice. But it becomes a mountain to climb once they were 0-2 up.a
Platt, though, refused to give up his hopes and aims to win their two remaining games in hopes for a berth in the semis.
a It’s very difficult now. But we can’t rest too much on the game. We have two games left and we got an opportunity to win both the games.a