ISL 2016: FC Pune City's season was marked by off-colour performances right from the start

For the third season running, FC Pune City ended their Indian Super League campaign without making the playoffs. Although qualification to the finals was a reasonable expectation at the start of ISL-3 given the arrival of coach Antonio Habas from Atletico de Kolkata, the Stallions were off the pace right from day one.

A sixth-placed finish was the result, an all-too-familiar situation for the Orange-Purples. They have now finished sixth, seventh and sixth in three seasons of ISL: consistent underperformers and bottom half dwellers.  

Nevertheless, the Stallions had their good moments, and a few of their players had creditable seasons. Here is a review of Pune City’s ISL 2016 campaign.

Season overview

Injuries to marquee acquisition Eidur Gudjohnsen and Andre Bikey left Pune in crisis even before the season started. That, coupled with Habas’ four-game suspension carried over from last season, hindered the Stallions in the early stages of the season.

Habas’ return to the dugout coincided with some spirited displays, notably in the Orange-Purples’ wins over Mumbai City FC and Delhi Dynamos. Not winning any of their first five home matches, however, proved to be Pune’s undoing. That aside, Habas’ constant tinkering with the starting eleven meant the Stallions never developed a core.

Overall, an underwhelming campaign for Pune going by Habas’ ISL pedigree. They will need to do more next year.

Manager review

It seemed Habas failed to get his ideas across quickly enough to make Pune title contenders. The Spaniard often tried to point to the constricted nature of ISL that makes it difficult to build a team to play a particular style of football. But, given his previous experience in India and the fact the likes of José Molina and Gianluca Zambrotta outperformed him, make it difficult to not apportion blame on Habas for Pune’s poor ISL 2016 campaign.

His team selections were weird, and a penchant for chopping and changing did the Orange-Purples no good. The absence of Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Jesus Tato from the crucial end-of-season fixtures raised eyebrows, while there also was an over-reliance on midfielder Jonatan Lucca to come up with the goods in attack.

Best player: Edel Bete

The two-time ISL winner was brought in to provide the much-craved winning mentality to the Stallions’ ranks. Edel’s stolid disposition in goal saved Pune’s blushes umpteen times; were it not for his shot-stopping, his team would have been long dead in the playoffs race. The 30-year-old made 46 saves, the most of any goalkeeper which helped mask the frailties in the Pune defence.

Worst player: Arata Izumi

Izumi was Habas’ favourite at ATK last term when he scored five times for the Kolkata outfit. Having struggled for goals in 2015, Izumi was expected to add goals to the Pune attack upon his arrival. The 34-year-old thoroughly disappointed, scoring just a single goal and not making any impact whatsoever in his limited time on the pitch.

Best match: Pune City 4–3 Delhi Dynamos

In what was their last home game of the season, the Stallions were staring down the barrel against league leaders Delhi Dynamos at half-time. The 1–0 half-time scoreline was not what Pune deserved, and it seemed their playoffs hopes had gone up in smoke in a first half where Pune dominated but Delhi scored.

That, though, was only half of the story as Pune scored three quickfire goals in the second half to go 3–1 ahead. The game eventually finished 4–3, as Delhi mounted a late rally but couldn’t save the game. It was Pune’s best performance of the season; a courageous display that belied their weak attack and reignited their playoffs hopes.

Things to do next season

Despite the negativity shown towards Habas in this piece, it would be akin to a disaster should the 59-year-old be allowed to leave, or worst, replaced. Retaining Habas is a must, as there is no point for Pune in starting all over again after another failed ISL campaign. Stability in uncertain times can prove to be a virtue later, hence keeping Habas for next season is imperative.

This season, Pune lacked depth in attack, a malaise that has afflicted them in the past as well. Anibal Zurdo scored five times, but the other strikers  —  Jesus Tato, Dramane Traore and Gustavo Oberman  —  scored just a single goal combined. Goals win games, and it was clear why Pune failed to make the playoffs. The Stallions scored the joint least number of goals in ISL 2016.

Improving their attack is a must-do for Pune in 2017. The Stallions will need to add both in quality and quantity in their offensive ranks next season to have any chance of realising their dream of qualifying for the playoffs, and to win the title.