Popovic demands more from FC Pune

James’ return to Kerala Blasters saw a three-match unbeaten run at the start, but that was punctured by back-to-back defeats before his side recovered to get all three points against Delhi Dynamos.

It has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for the Englishman and his team’s fans as they look to overhaul a two-point gap to the top four. The only issue is that the Kerala Blasters have played more games than any of the teams in contention for a place in the semi-final and will now face the daunting task of beating Pune City on Friday.

Pune are themselves dreaming of the possibility to make the playoffs for the first time ever, and have the momentum with just one defeat in last six games. Ranko Popovic’s side are dangerous on the counter, lethal on the finish and have the second-best defence in the league with just 12 goals conceded.

Pune City can go top of the table provisionally if they win. The side have Marcelo Pereira and Emiliano Alfaro in good form and it will be hard to stop them. Popovic however, while happy, is not completely satisfied with his side and demanded more. “It’s good if people are talking (about our performances) but I have always maintained that we need to balance both attack and defence to do well. So yes, we are on a good way, but we are not yet good - we are trying,” he said.

PUNE:David