FC Pune City head coach Franco Colomba prefers to remain rooted in the present rather than live in the past. Cutting a composed figure at the pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s encounter against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on November 23, the Italian gaffer noted that his side’s previous 2-0 victory over the Goans is now inconsequential.“We have already forgotten about the previous match. This is a different match and we’re not thinking about what happened in Pune,” he said matter of factly.Colomba was quick to dismiss the suggestion that his side’s loss to Chennaiyin FC, which snapped their four match unbeaten streak, was a huge set-back to their chances of qualification. “It was good for the team while it lasted but you can never tell when you will lose a match. Chennai are a very good team physically and technically and we looked tired during that encounter. Also, we have to understand that this is a difficult championship with so many games coming so quickly in a short period of time,” he explained.He went on to add that he’s been watching the teams in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) and singled out Atlético de Kolkata and Chennaiyin FC as the teams to beat in the competition.When asked about injury concerns in his squad, Colomba said that he would assess his players during the training session following the press conference. “We have had only one day to rest. I will have to assess my players and see their condition,” he said.The Italian heaped praise on the ISL saying that it has the potential to grow. “I think it is possible for this tournament to grow because the teams come to know each other better game by game. It is difficult to assemble a team in such a short time, so as the tournament progresses, teams will get used to each other. With more time, the tournament will definitely grow,” said Colomba.Lenny Rodrigues, who was also in attendance at the press conference, was happy with the ISL. Playing for the first time in his career outside of Goa, the lanky midfielder said that it was a huge learning experience playing under Colomba. “I have improved a lot due to the experience of the coach and all the players. I learn a lot everyday due to the presence of big players like Kostas (Katsouranis) and (David) Trezeguet and I hope I can play well tomorrow,” he quipped. “My fitness level is high. I hope I recover well today. We will see after the training but I hope to be there for the match tomorrow,” he added.
