Bengaluru FC will face FC Pune City at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday in the return leg of the first semi-final of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18. The match will be the Blues’ last hurdle before the final if they beat the Stallions. The hosts have been slated by many to be the favourites to win the league and head into the contest after a goalless first leg. Australian Erik Paartalu who has three goals and two assists for Bengaluru this season spoke to indiansuperleague.com on the eve of the match. Here are the excerpts.

What are your thoughts on the team’s current morale?

Yes, we’re strong. We’re obviously confident at home. When you play these teams at the end of the season, you know they’re going to be difficult because they’re in top four for a reason. They’re a strong side and we have to show it at home that we’re a good side. I’m confident that we’re going to do that.

What do you make of head coach Albert Roca’s impact on the team?

He’s been great whole season, as have all the staff. The management recruited a good squad and that balance has been a big thing for the Hero ISL teams this year. And by a good balance, I’m talking about a good midfield, a good attack, a good defence and good goalkeepers. When you have a good platform to work with, it makes the staff’s job easier. But, certainly, working with our staff and management has been a pleasure this season and hopefully, we can finish it for them.

Both the teams have a star-studded midfield, so how will the battle be?

It’s definitely going to be a battle. There’s a lot of quality in both sides in the midfield. So, it’s the kind of game where the game will be won or lost and we have to be giving everything we can. And I think we need to be a bit more composed and certainly try to find the final passing in the final third as well. We have a game plan and let’s see how it goes.

Does the second leg being at home give Bengaluru an extra edge?

I don’t know if it is an edge, but it certainly gives us confidence because we have played some big games here. It’s a situation where we have to get a result and there’s a lot of experience in the squad. So, we’re going in this game with confidence and belief that we can win the game and get ourselves in the final.