FC Pune City travel to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai to take on Chennaiyin FC in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 on Saturday. Marcos Tebar has weighed in with a goal as well as two assists from midfield this season and Pune will be hoping he adds to his tally as they look to secure their first ever win against Chennaiyin in the Hero ISL. In an exclusive interview with indiansuperleague.com before the game, Tebar shared his thoughts on the upcoming fixture. Here are the excerpts.

Your team is placed in the top four midway through the league. So, what are your thoughts on the second half of the season?

Well, I think we’ve done a great job in the first part of the league. We’re in the top four, that is the first aim of the club. And for the second part of the season, we want to improve our performance. We want to be as strong as we were in the previous games and we want to improve our results at home.

You are from the famed Real Madrid academy – how important is it for all ISL teams to have a grassroot programme?

It’s very important to have a good academy as I had in Spain. When I was young, we had very good coaches and very good facilities growing up. I think this is something they have to improve (in India) and they are doing a great job, the last few years. ISL is very important for young players to achieve a great level.

Tell me the importance of off the ball training.

On the ball and off the ball, both trainings are very important. I put them at the same level. I think when you are a strong team, you have to train both things and of course, you have to train more in pre-season to keep the team strong.

What is your favourite thing in India apart from football and what are the favourite places you have visited in India?

One of my favourite things is the passion of the fans. In Kerala or in Kolkata, last year it was amazing there when we played the semi-final (in Kochi). One of the best places I’ve visited is the Taj Mahal in Agra.

About the next match, Pune have never beaten Chennai in the ISL. What are your thoughts on that?

Well, first game against them (this season) was a little hard. We played a good game but they beat us at home. We come here to get the three points and go back to Pune City to celebrate with our fans.

Any message for the fans?

Keep supporting us because we need you. We are happy you are behind us, pushing us hard.