I Have Nothing To Prove To East Bengal - Pune FC's Abhra Mondal

Pune FC have hit a red hot streak recently, having gone on a seven match unbeaten run in the I-League and have now risen to fifth position.

One of the players who has been pivotal during the Red Lizards recent good form is their on-loan goalkeeper from East Bengal - Abhra Mondal.

Expressing his happiness at the form he has exhibited after joining Pune FC, Mondal mentioned, “I am very happy with my present form. Especially since I had been on the sidelines for so long and so it is always good to be back in the game. My form, as well as the club’s form, have been on the rise.”

On his plans for the summer, when his loan deal with the Pune club expires, the Bengali keeper revealed, “I would definitely like to join Pune FC on a permanent transfer, provided I get a good offer.”

The 25 year old also gave an insight on the team’s form in recent games. He felt there is no tonic like three points to boost confidence amongst players. Mondal opined, “If the team plays well then its morale automatically improves. Once you put together a string of wins together then your belief in yourself grows and you become more confident.”

He however wasn’t ready to label the club as an I-League title contender yet. The former East Bengal trainee stated, “It’s too early to say anything. The I-League is really tough to win. This is something I can tell you from personal experience, since I have been around in the league for a while. It’s very tough to win the championship and we need to continue with our winning streak to have a chance. As of now, we are trying to first break into the top 4.”

With the Red Lizards set to take on East Bengal at the Balewadi Stadium on Saturday, Mondal also brushed aside any question of him treating the match against East Bengal as anything more than another league game.

“I do not think of it as old or new club. I am presently playing for Pune FC and nothing else matters at the moment. I will approach this game like any other match that I have played in for Pune FC this season.”

“I have nothing to prove to East Bengal. If I play with such motives then I will forget my own game really. I want to just continue playing like I have done this season,” he added.