Both sides come into the match, with high spirits of qualifications, in a closely knit Maharashtra Zone table. Kenkre FC currently sits at 4^th place in the table, however, separated by just three points from first place DSK Shivajians. Tuesday’s opponents Pune City FC are also just two points ahead in second place, which makes the encounter a lot more interesting as to who would have an upper hand as the season goes on.

Pune City FC has made a tremendous start to the season having gained maximum points from their three matches, whereas Kenkre FC has been able to record just seven points from their six matches.

A total of 10 matches (home and away) means Kenkre FC do not have much breathing space and will need to tighten their grip on the proceedings. A slip of luck and a lacklustre result at Mamurdi on Tuesday would mean that Kenkre’s hopes for qualification can all be gone with DSK and Pune further strengthening their position at the top.

In the reverse fixture at Cooperage, Kenkre FC stumbled to a 3-1 defeat to Pune City FC who grew into the match and after taking a one-goal lead in the first-45 completely took the game away from Kenkre FC in the second half.

The match can prove to be a make or break situation for the Mumbai club – Kenkre FC as Pune City FC seems confident at making it four wins from four matches. Pune City FC recorded a narrow 2-1 win over Mumbai FC in their opening match, but it is to be seen that can Kenkre FC pull off a tough fight away from home where they have good recording 4 points from a possible 9.

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Q. Any particular reason for the team to train at Vasco’s Tilak Maidan?
A. Zico- We already have acclimatized ourselves with the ground at Fatorda stadium and at Vasco we get more time to practice and we don’t have people watching our every practice moves. We are able to do our work very calmly and do a better job there. Also since we already know the ground, we don’t need to practice here to get ourselves familiar with the conditions.

Q. Any injuries in the squad and can you tell us about it?
A. Zico- Yes we do have injuries but we can’t tell you. You will come to know about it once the final 11 is announced tomorrow.

Q. Are you approaching this game any differently? Any change in the strategies?
A. Zico- Every game is different and has different way of playing and has different philosophies. If we want to win tomorrow, we will have to change the strategy.

Q. Coach you have new coaching personnel. What will be their roles and what were the reasons for getting them?
A. Zico- I always wanted to bring them from the beginning and I asked the president if I could get my own team from Brazil and he agreed. I have one physical trainer and two assistants. Willian Goncalves is the physical trainer, Fernando Vannucci is the assistant coach and Miguel Habib is the physiotherapists and assistant coach. If you must have seen, the coaches of other teams got their own coaching staff and I was the only one who didn’t bring anyone so now I got my own team members from Brazil.

Q. Tomorrow’s match is very crucial. What is the mood like in the team and is there any pressure on the players to deliver well tomorrow?
A. Bruno Pinheiro- I think is there is no extra pressure since each match is important and it values three points. The next three games are very important for us and fortunately we have these three games at home. The most important thing is that we have worked really very hard this week and I think we are ready and mentally we are strong because we have three battles to fight and we must do everything to win it.

Q. Do you think close scheduling of the matches is an obstacle for players?
A. Bruno Pinheiro- I am sure for international player the weather conditions in India was an obstacle since the beginning and that is not an excuse for anyone. It is normal for injuries to happen since the schedule of the match has been very tight. But we have many options to tackle that like if one player is injured, another can substitute him. It also gives other players a chance to play and it is a big opportunity for players to show their skills.

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