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Three seasons. Three missed opportunities. FC Pune City have been one of the league's most consistent sides - consistently average. Since the inception of the ISL, the Maharashtrian outfit haven't qualified even once for the playoffs. In fact, they've never finished above sixth on the points table. It doesn't paint a very pretty picture.
We're now in the fourth season and it must be noted that the Stallions did make some shrewd signings at the recent auction. We enlist five reasons why Pune have a realistic chance of winning silverware this time around:
#5 Law of averages favours Pune
Across the three seasons so far, Pune's win percentage has been an abysmal 28%. They've conceded 56 goals so far and have managed to score just 42 in return. Pune have never managed to rack up more than 16 points in a single season. To put things into perspective, every club played a minimum of 14 matches in a season. It's not a commendable record by any means.
But, the law of averages indicates they can only get better. The Google definition cites the following example - "the law of averages suggests it is Arsenal's turn to beat their neighbours". It's high time Pune got the better of their opponents. It's high time they shrug off the mediocrity which has hounded them for three seasons.
#4 Deadly duo of Marcelo and Kean Lewis
It's no secret that the Stallions have struggled to finish off their moves in past seasons. While they did have a decent set of forwards in the past, Pune have made sure to shore up their front line with some impressive signings.
In Marcelo Leite Pereira, Pune have last season's top scorer (10) and the best striker in the league. The Brazilian also had the most shots on target (26). The forward has skills, pace, strength and can shoot with both feet. There's no doubt he will be a menace in the opposition box.
Pune also have in their ranks, Kean Francis Lewis. An extremely tricky winger who isn't afraid to take on the full-backs, he was impressive for Delhi last season and will be eager to make an instant impact in his new club.
#3 Towering midfield presence
From 1998-2004, Marcos Tébar spent his time at Real Madrid's youth academy, honing his skills. He learnt from the best and worked his way up to Real Madrid's senior team by 2009. Thereafter, the talented midfielder went on to ply his trade for Rayo Vallecano, Almeria and Girona to name a few.
He was also part of Spain's U17 squad in 2002-03. It's safe to say Pune have a solid, dependable midfielder in their ranks. At 6 ft 1, he will add some much-needed steel in the middle of the park. Tebar was a regular for Delhi Dynamos and will play a vital role for Pune too.
#2 A coach who is on a high
By roping in Ranko Popovi?, Pune made sure they secured a manager who recently tasted success. Before arriving in India, the Serbian was with Thai League 1 outfit, Buriram United F.C.
During his short stint with the club, he guided them to a Thai League Cup title and left the club after ensuring they were in peak condition. When Popovic left Buriram, the club were perched at the top of the points table.
In Popovic, Pune have a coach who was a former player. As a result, he would be in a great position to understand the likes and dislikes of his players and ensure the atmosphere in the dressing room is always positive.
#1 Pune beat both Kolkata giants in preseason
The Stallions could not have asked for a better start heading into the 2017 season. As part of their preparatory camp, FC Pune City locked horns with both the Kolkata giants, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.
They emerged winners in both those encounters and were impressive up front. Pune beat East Bengal 2-1. If that result didn't send a message, their match against Mohun Bagan definitely did.
The Stallions beat Bagan in comprehensive fashion 4-1 and sent a stern message to their rivals. Twitter went into a mini-meltdown upon hearing the result. But looking back, it's not surprising. Pune have a solid squad capable of beating anyone.
