FC Pune City's new recruits Augustin Fernandes and Sanju Pradhan cannot wait to face the challenges that come their way in this new, but exciting journey which they hope will only end with a championship title for their new club.
"The new coach excited me, working with a new coach and team helps us learn more. I am looking forward to joining my new team players," Fernandes said.
Starting his youth career with SESA, Goa-born Augustin, in 2011, was drafted by Salgaocar FC. After a successful stint he joined Atletico Kolkata in 2015 edition of ISl and in the same year also made his debut with the national team. Augustin completed his move to Pune outfit after having a word with the management about their plans for the coming season of Indian Super league which will start on Oct 1.
On the other hand, Pradhan, who joined from North East United FC, also shared the same views. "I am very excited about training with Antonio Habas again. I want to prove myself and for that I am working hard and preparing myself to be the type of player he wants since I have trained with him in the past".
Pradhan has won two Federation Cups representing East Bengal, ISl title with Atletico De Kolkata in 2014 and also was a part of 2012 Nehru Cup winning Indian team. From East Bengal he shifted base to Dempo and subsequently to Salgaocar.
On being questioned about their targets for the new season, both players had only one answer in mind. "I want to enjoy my time with my new team players and work hard. I want to be in the playing eleven and give in my best to win the league," Fernandes said.
Pradhan added: "My aim is to do everything that helps to make FC Pune City champions. As a professional my only target is to win the Championship. I plan to work harder and give in more this year and the facilities provided to us will help us perform better."
Both the players also shared their expertise on being trained under various coaches. Fernandes said: "I have been under different coaches and every coach has his new style. We adjust and learn."
Sharing the view, Pradhan said: "I have had a great experience and I feel privileged to get the opportunity to be able to train with world-class coaches."
They are also of the opinion that football in India has changed drastically in recent years.
"The level of competition has increased over the years in India. Indian players are matching foreign players by 70 to 80 percent and putting in great effort. I feel Indian players are playing well and we can only get better", said Augustin.
Whereas Pradhan feels that the emergence of ISl has been of great help to Indian players. "With the coming of ISl, the competition level has increased tremendously. Competition helps in improving one's performance and the foreign players have played a key role in increasing the level of competition among Indian players," he explained.
On India hosting the FIFA Under-17 World Cup next year, Fernandes said: "Hosting Under-17 World Cup would not only popularize the game in India but will also improve the ground maintenance and facilities would also improve. We will see the future stars perform and we would want more such tournaments to be held in India."