FC Pune City registered only their second win in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 campaign when they came away with three points away to Kerala Blasters. Riding on that wave of optimism and self-belief, the Stallions will now welcome FC Goa at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune.

Ahead of the fixture, indiansuperleague.com caught with Marcelo Pereira. The Brazilian has been a vital player for the Stallions and was kind enough to give us a few insights into the Stallions’ camp. Here are a few excerpts from the same.

How is the mood in the camp?

Now we are a little bit more motivated after the win. The win came at a very good moment and now it gives us more power for the next match. So, I’m happy with that victory. Let’s see, I hope we become stronger from this.

Thoughts on scoring in the last match as well as the reverse fixture in Goa.

Like I told you, the victory came at a good moment. I scored, I helped my team and it gives me more confidence for the next match. I also scored in Goa in the last match, but it doesn’t mean anything for me because I lost the match where I scored my first goal. The victory did not happen. So, I think I have a little bit more confidence to try to score and to try to help my team to close before the international break in a good way.

How has Iain Hume’s return impacted the team?

I’m very happy for Hume because I see how difficult it was for him. The recovery, training by training. It was something that was difficult and I’m happy for him not only because he played 90 minutes but because he ran a lot, he helped the team and he played for the team. So, it’s very nice playing with him, very good and also on the ride home he tries to motivate the players, he tries to say something for the hunger and I think that’s very important for our team.

What is the difference between Iain Hume and Emiliano Alfaro?

They are different players, but they are very experienced. I enjoyed playing with Alfaro, he’s very good and I also enjoy playing with Hume. They are different but also very important for the team at the same level.

Who is the biggest threat from FC Goa?

I think for me, it’s Ahmed Jahouh because he’s a very intelligent player. For me, he’s the best player in the league, he’s very intelligent. I think when he has the ball, he does whatever he wants. So, I know that Ferran Corominas can score the goals but for me, Jahouh’s role is very important. Every team wants a player like him.