After registering three wins out of four home games, FC Pune City are ready for their first Hero Indian Super League away game this season, against Chennaiyin FC at the Marina Arena on Saturday but head coach David Platt, speaking to the media ahead of the game, played down the significance of an “away” game.

“I don’t feel there is some massive advantage of home and away in this league. All you have to do is travel and team stay in a hotel. We have a hotel in Pune which is our home hotel. Home and away is not necessarily important,” Platt said.

Pune lie second in the table and if they win on Saturday they will overtake leaders FC Goa. However, Platt didn’t lay much emphasis on team positions. “This is not that important that you are top of the league or not top of the league. At the moment this doesn’t matter, we have a long season ahead. Getting into the qualifiers and being in top 4 is important. It is important to prepare for every football match and perform good to win. Past is past, we have to concentrate on future games,” he said.

Platt wasn’t also taking Chennayin FC lightly. “They are a good side they seem settled. They have a manager with experience and that counts. There are players who can make a difference. We are aware of their strength and will treat them with the respect they deserve. They have strong players, who can make a difference,” he said.

Platt was happy with the way the league was progressing. “…I don’t think we have any team as a favourite while playing at home or away. The league is getting popular and the schedule is so tight,” he said.