Rahul Bheke has played every minute of FC Pune City’s Hero Indian Super League 2016 campaign and will be looking to avenge a 1-0 defeat earlier in the season when the Stallions lock horns with Mumbai City FC in the second Maharashtra derby of the season at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday. The buccaneering full-back has made his presence felt in defence for Pune thus far having completed seven blocks, seven interceptions, 14 clearances and 14 successful tackles. He has looked comfortable going forward as well and has completed one successful take-on and two key passes besides attempting 19 crosses. The 25-year-old spoke to indiansuperleague.com ahead of the clash against Mumbai. Here are the excerpts from the interview.You are second from bottom at present, how is the morale in the dressing room?We have won our last game, so the morale is high. We are getting better game by game, so tomorrow we are looking for a positive result.We saw some brilliant awareness from you against FC Goa with that epic goal-line clearance…I will like to continue that in each and every game we play. That is my duty as a defender, so I will look to continue doing the same.The inclusion of Eugeneson Lyngdoh in the FC Pune City ranks, how important is his return?He is a great addition for us, it will make us much stronger in the centre. I hope he will help us with some goals and assists.We saw some free flowing football from FCPC in the last game, so is it a sign of things to come?Yes, the team is getting better. Tomorrow we will look to pick up from where we had left off in the last game and we will try to play in the same way and try to score as early as possible.With the Maharashtra derby going the other way the last time around, how are you planning to tackle Mumbai City FC and win this one?This derby is very important for us, we are second last on the table, so we need the win. If we win this game, we can move into the top 4, so it is very important for us.
