Alwyn George hopes for a new lease of life at Pune City
The Maharashtra-born midfielder joined FC Pune City in the summer after finding playing time hard to come by at Bengaluru FC.
Published : Sep 15, 2018 16:42 IST
Alwyn George, after failing to find much game time with Indian Super League runner-up Bengaluru FC last season, is hoping to essay a larger role for FC Pune City.
The Maharashtra midfielder just played seven matches for BFC – all from the bench – and the move to his home state was purely dictated by his resolve to earn more playing opportunities. "I was in Bangalore for three years but I wasn't starting many games. I hope to play more," he said."It is purely coincidental that Pune is located in my home state. I never thought any Maharashtrian club will offer me (a chance to play) but Pune did and it is an honour.”
Pune City's new coach Miguel Angel Portugal has a multitude of attacking options with Emiliano Alfaro and Marcelinho expected to lead the forward line. Summer addition Iain Hume, recovering from a knee injury, will also be in the reckoning, making it difficult for Alwyn to break into the first team. The 26-year-old, however, is not concerned and said: “I think I will combine well with these players.”
Speaking about the pre-season and the style of play the team is working towards, he said, "We are working on short passes with long balls and some creativity. I hope that will work and I am excited to play alongside Alfaro, Marcelinho and Hume.”
Alwyn, who has played in the I-League with Dempo and BFC, finds ISL to be more competitive. "ISL offers us more exposure, the quality of players is better, and there are better foreign players. It's more competitive and the Indian lads get more exposure and better experience," he said.
Pune City gets its campaign underway with an away game against Delhi Dynamos on October 3.