FC Pune City scored late in the game against NorthEast United FC at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex to register a second home win in the space of seven days. This 1-0 result came on the back of a defeat to Kerala Blasters FC, and head coach Franco Colomba’s rapturous goal celebration reflected how badly he wanted this victory for his team. As thrilled as he was with his team, Colomba also maintained a certain level of poise during the post-match press conference. He was joined by winger Israil Gurung in addressing the media.“This victory was a fruit of our labour in preparation, after the previous defeat. It means a lot to our team. I had to rest a few players in the last match due to the schedule, and that showed as our team performed well today,” said Colomba.The Pune gaffer started with Gurung in place of Ashutosh Mehta, and then made two vital substitutions in Nigerian Dudu Omagbemi and Dutchman John Goossens. “I had to sacrifice (Iván) Bolado, but it was a good sacrifice retrospectively,” he said. Colomba did not feel that the team that finished the match was better than the team that started it, and reacted saying, “It’s not fair, because I pick players according to their ability and how they can help the match. For movement and finishing, I have (David) Trezeguet. For pace and strength, I have Dudu and Goossens. I decide according to the situation.”The coach was lucky to escape without a card for running on the field as he celebrated, but was genuine in his explanation. “I am still a player in my head. I have always been like this, whichever team I have managed. And when I am happy, that is the way I express it,” he said about his reaction following Goossens’ goal in the 88th minute. He acknowledged the referee’s decision of not punishing him saying, “The referee did a good job. At the moment, he made a fair decision.”Israil Gurung was given a start in this match, and it was expected, as the coach had mentioned his decision to play him in the previous match, but could not due to circumstance. But with his performance today, he would surely give Colomba a selection headache. “The players are in good shape and are fit to play. It doesn’t matter whom the coach picks, we will perform” said the diminutive winger.With intense competition for a starting spot, Gurung trailed off saying, “When the competition is good, the performances are bound to be good.”
