ISL 2017-18: We deserved to win as we were the better team vs CFC, says Pune coach Popovic

FC PUNE CITY lost their match at home against Chennaiyin FC by a goal towards the end of the match. Coach Ranko Popovic wasn't too happy about the same as he said that his team deserved to win.

"It is very hard for us to lose a game like this. We deserved to win the game because we were the better team, even if we were tired it’s not an excuse. It’s our fourth game in 10-11 days and it was evident in the second half, the players tried but did not have the energy."

"But I’m proud of the guys, the way they’re playing, especially the first half was very nice. Unfortunately, we didn’t score the goals and football is cruel like today. One chance, one set piece and they go with three points. The positive is that the power and energy was good, good shape, nice football. First half was clear domination, second half we didn’t have clear cut chances, it’s easy to say now but the guys have 2-3 days to recover, we will see then."

When asked about his opponents' performance, he said,

"I don’t know. What I know is that they’re going away with three points, this is what I don’t like. For me sincerely, if we got the draw, it was at least one point. My situation is the same, we tried to win the game and I’m happy that the guys tried to do this. It didn’t go in our favour, but what we can do is get refreshed in our heads and look for the positives. I think the better team was Pune, but the better team didn’t win this."

"We wanted to play with more intent but we didn’t have the power. I brought the guys to put more energy and power in the second half, they must put more pressure but this what I’m angry about. But generally I cannot ask for more. Isaac was playing first time, he played very good. This is one boy who played serious football for the first time. Alfaro is one example who didn’t train for three days because of fever. He fought like a 20-year-old boy. This a positive for our team to have players like this."

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