Pune loss to Mumbai City FC 0-1 in their campaign opener at home but bounced back with a 2-1 win over FC Goa at Margao last week to collect their first points in the tournament.
The clash against NorthEast United at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium at Balewadi tomorrow will be followed by two more home matches -- against Kerala Blasters (October 17) and Chennaiyin FC (October 23).
"We have three games at home and these games are very crucial for us to get nine points which will help us go ahead in the league. We start with NorthEast and we know they are in good form but we are playing at home and with the Goa win, it will increase our confidence to play well," said Miguel, who will continue to take charge of the side till chief coach Antonio Habas returns after serving a four-match suspension.
FC Pune City needed a dramatic 90th minute winner against FC Goa to collect full points from their first win. The performance was encouraging, and with marquee Mohamed Sissoko stamping his authority on debut alongside Jonatan Lucca in midfield, there was all-round appreciation.
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NorthEast United are at the top of the table for now with six points from three matches. But they were grounded by Mumbai City FC after two consecutive wins at home and coach Nelo Vingada will have to do a lot more to ensure that his side does not remain giants only at home.
"I am proud of the players even though we made some mistakes, missed a couple of chances. But this is football, these mistakes happen because we play with men and not with robots and machines. I am leaving with this performance and not the result. I am leaving Mumbai more optimistic than I was even before we lost," the Portuguese coach said after his team lost by a solitary goal, thanks to a penalty from Diego Forlan.
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