ATK eye full points against depleted Pune

Steve Coppell led ATK find itself at a realistic opportunity to bounce back in the competition as they play host to a possibly depleted FC Pune City at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.
Pune City are facing the worst ever campaign in Hero Indian Super League 2018, currently placed at the bottom of the table with just 2 points with no end to their agony. Yet to taste a win in the season, interim coach Pradyum Reddy is desperate for three points. However, Pune are now faced another challenge in having to deal with two key players Diego Carlos and Marcelinho’s suspensions. To add to this, Marko Stankovic is nursing an injury.
“We are missing three foreign players and if you see we have had six different goal-scorers this season. And we will be missing three of them tomorrow. Ours is not the ideal situation to be in,” Reddy assessed. “I think in a normal situation, we would have been happy with a point but given our position in the league, we have to go for the three points. We need to have a positive outlook and try to get three points as that would not only allow us to move forward,” he added. But ATK coach Steve Coppell does not expect an easy game against the Stallions.
“Marcelinho is such a dangerous player and Diego too. They are not available. We would have done our best to win the game even if they were available. If we are to win the game, we have to earn a victory. No one is going to give us the win and make it easy for us. We have to earn it for ourselves,” Coppell stated. ATK themselves will miss striker Kalu Uche who is expected to be out till Christmas after picking up a grade three muscle tear.
Also Read:
J&K’s 1st ever I League game ends in draw as 10-man Churchill hold Real Kashmir
Pune City’s Diego Carlos suspended to two additional matches; fined Rs 2 Lakh
Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC: ISL’s biggest rivalry – where it all began
Coppell’s ATK are seventh on the table, with two wins from their six matches so far. All the goals scored by the Kolkata-based club but one has come in the first half of matches and Pune will do well to keep things tight at the back right from the off. Defending has been a concern for Reddy’s men. They have conceded nine goals in their last three games. Matt Mills and Gurtej Singh will need to be on high alert against an ATK side which is expected to punish turnovers with quick counter-attacks.
Pune succumbed to a second-half show by Chennaiyin in their last game despite taking the lead early into the game. Fitness levels of the Pune players will be put to the test in Kolkata as ATK will be looking to pounce on such a drop in energy levels late in the second half.
Youngster Komal Thatal has impressed from the flanks and it was his debut goal that gave ATK the lead against Bengaluru FC in their last game. However goals just before and after the break by the Blues left the hosts pointless at the end of the match.
ATK will be looking to put Pune’s resilience and fight to the test and although Pune City will be without the services of their star striker, they will want nothing more than to bring their winless streak to an end and get their season rolling.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
Maharashtra State Mens Football League / WIFA
Magic Made Soccer clinches Maharashtra State Mens Football League Title: An Unbeaten Run to Glory
Magic Made Soccer, powered by Mumbay Football Club, have claimed the Maharashtra State Mens Football League title with a game to spare The team delivered a string of commanding performances…
Coach Education / Feature / Recommended
AIFF conducts inaugural D Certificate course for deaf coaches in Navi Mumbai
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) successfully concluded its first-ever D Certificate Coaching Course for deaf candidates on Sunday, June 7, 2025, at the Reliance Foundation Young Champs facilities in…
Mumbai City sign Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung ahead of 2025-2026 campaign
Mumbai City are pleased to confirm the signing of Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung from Sreenidi Deccan FC. The central midfielder has signed a 3-year contract with the Islanders, keeping him at the…
Maharashtra State Mens Football League / WIFA
MSMFL enters Penultimate round with Magic Made Soccer just one win away from title.
The Maharashtra Senior Men’s Football League (MSMFL) Phase 2 is nearing its close, with Magic Made Soccer now just one win away from clinching the coveted title.
Have a Ball – PUMA unveils the new official Premier League match Ball
Global sports company PUMA unveils the official match ball for the Premier League, which is set to grace pitches, parks, and gardens worldwide for players and fans alike ahead of…
TECNO reaffirms its commitment to youth development and sports empowerment by extending its CSR partnership with the Indian Football Foundation (IFF)
TECNO, a global mobile brand renowned for its innovation and commitment, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and sports empowerment by extending its CSR partnership with the Indian Football Foundation…
Punjab FC extend Head Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis’ contract
Punjab FC have announced the contract extension of Head Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis until 2027. The extension comes on the back of a season marked by strong developmental progress and key…
Last-minute penalty breaks Indian hearts in Hong Kong
A heartbreaking stoppage time penalty condemned India to a 0-1 defeat against Hong Kong, China, in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round at…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…