NorthEast United FC suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Kerala Blasters FC in their Hero Indian Super League Season 2 opener on Tuesday but head coach Cesar Farias insisted, when asked at a press meet ahead of their game against FC Pune City whether his team was under pressure, they were already past that defeat.“We're mentally strong. We have a good mentality and good attitude. This is a new opportunity for us and we're here to get a win,” the Venezuelan told reporters in Pune on Thursday.Last season, Pune beat NorthEast at home and then in the corresponding fixture managed a draw at Guwahati. When reminded that his team had no wins against Pune, an undeterred Farias said, “This is just a game. One game. This is the moment to play and win and that's our objective.”On injuries, Farias stated “Not everyone is available, but that is no excuse for us going into this game. We are preparing ourselves to beat anybody and we will approach this like we do in the same way with everyone, to win,” he said.The match is expected to witness a big contingent from the north-east and Farias said he was looking forward to that. “It's always great to have support. We want to feel like we have someone to back us and push us!”French defender Cedric Hengbart was also confident of good show ahead of the game. “I played in the ISL last year [for Kerala Blasters FC] and I know how things work. It's just one match. We have 14 matches. We have to look forward to a new day and a new match. We are focusing on the next match and we are confident to do well,” he said.“My only objective is to go out and play good football and help my team qualify,” he added.
