Last season’s leading goal-scorers Delhi Dynamos FC will travel to FC Pune City and kickstart their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 campaign at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Wednesday. Delhi have got the better of Pune in the past, winning three out of their six matches, however, the Stallions’ sole win against the Dynamos came the last time these two sides met.

Delhi head coach Miguel Portugal addressed the media at the pre-match press conference and spoke about starting their season with a win. ”It’s our first match, so it is important to start with a win,” he said. “For me, we’ve had a long pre-season; two months in Spain, in Qatar and now in India. This first match is the test of performance for my team.”

While expanding on the Lions’ pre-season, Portugal added: “Spain was the first (point of) contact for all the players. I judged their personality and character there. They also got a chance to know about my philosophy and ideas. In Qatar, we improved our philosophy and in India, we stayed in the ground for competition. So, in two months, they improved a lot.”

Portugal also paid tribute to Pune and admitted that they have a strong side, which he respects a lot. “They are a good team. I wanted to sign Marcelinho and Marcos Tebar for my team, but it was not possible, because Pune paid more money,” he quipped. “And that proves Pune’s potential. They have a good team, not just Marcelinho and Marcos Tebar. I respect their side a lot. It’s very difficult to win in Pune, but we’ll try to win and play well. For me the win is very important, but for the first match, the performance of my team is also important.”

When asked for his thoughts on the first few matches of the season, Portugal added: “I saw the match of the other teams this weekend, and I think the competition is very balanced, and all teams are on a similar level. Goa and Bengaluru won, but with difficulty. I think it’s a good competition – 10 teams on a similar level and I think anyone can win.”