Pune's Emiliano Alfaro eyes ISL playoff spot

Bengaluru: The fourth edition of the Indian Super League is almost upon us, and teams are building ahead in search of glory. FC Pune City’s pre-season foreign signing Emiliano Alfaro, who penned a one-year contract last week, represents a noteworthy move in the club’s ambition to raise the stakes and improve upon previous seasons.

The Uruguayan is no stranger to the ISL, top-scoring for NorthEast United FC with five goals in 13 appearances, and recalled his first experience in the country with The Highlanders. “It was a great time and season for me. I couldn’t believe how welcoming the people and culture were. We tried to qualify for the semi-final but just missed out. But it was a productive season,” he said to this newspaper in a telephonic interview.

The striker links up with manager Antonio Habas, the Spanish coach who took Pune City to sixth place in 2016 and faces his last season on the contract. Alfaro says he shares a similar personality with his new manager. “He is a good coach who knows all about team spirit. We have to work hard in the pre-season to support him for a semi-final place. He believes in my qualities, which is why I am here,” the ex-Lazio striker noted.

The club has remained somewhat stagnant, finishing no higher than sixth in each of the three previous seasons, and Alfaro believes that can change if the side galvanises towards Habas’ plans. “I’ve known him from the previous ISL season. He is prepared and has a plan, and needs all of us at the club to play our parts. I cannot guarantee that we will reach the semi-final, but I can guarantee to give our best. We will be professional,” the 29-year-old quipped.

His manager, who has twice managed two-time champions Atletico De Kolkata past the league stage of the tournament, will hope his new industrious acquisition can overturn the fortunes of the Orange Army.