Brimming with confidence after securing a late 2-1 victory against FC Goa last Saturday in the Indian Super league season four, Mumbai City FC's Sanju Pradhan refused to give the favourites tag to the state neighbours FC Pune City (who destroyed defending champions ATK 4-1 in Kolkata on Sunday) before the Maharashtra derby at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune, on Wednesday.
"I don't think defeating ATK instantly makes Pune favorites," said the Indian international player. "Yes, they beat the defending champions but every team in the ISl is tough. We've come off the back of beating a Goa side who were 3-0 up in one half against Chennaiyin. So past laurels don't count for much. We have to give our 100 per cent in every game and being a derby, we'll be up for the challenge."
The Alexandre Guimaraes managed side held the best defensive record in the ISl last season (conceded just eight goals in 14 games of league stages). But in the new season, they have already galloped three goals in the opening two games. Pradhan, unfazed by the leaky defensive start, still thinks they are a great defensive side.
"We have made some mistakes in the last two games but I believe we have a great, compact defensive unit. We showed a lot of character in beating Goa in the way that we did and if we can keep the same mentality and composure, we will be as good as last season," said the winger.
Talking about the thrilling victory in the last game, Pradhan said it was the team effort that got them through after giving away the lead.
"The coach prepped us very well before the game against Goa. After they equalised late on, it was a collective effort that we fought back the way we did. This attitude and confidence is something we will take with us to Pune and everywhere we play," he said.
Playing for Pune last season, Pradhan was never more than a utility player for the former manager Antonio Habas. However, under Guimaraes, the Sikkim-born footballer has been one of the first names on the team sheet since day one.
"Every coach has his own style and his own preference of players. Habas had his own ideas. But this time around, coach Guimaraes focuses more on individual development. He has helped me improve all through our pre-season in Spain and even now. He believes in equal opportunities to every single players and I am glad to be playing under him," said the former Pune City player.