ISL 2017/18: ATK reach Kolkata after their camp in Dubai

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Robbie Keane and the other ATK players at the Kolkata airport today. Image Source: XtraTime

Kolkata: Two-time Indian Premier League Champions, ATK has returned to Kolkata today after completing a grueling pre-season in Dubai. ATK, with the new look side and a new coach at the helm of affairs, is charged up to perform to the best of potential in the upcoming season of Indian Super League 2017. The training module in abroad was designed by Head Coach Teddy Sheringham to get the footballers in right physical shape for the fourth season of Indian Super League commencing on 17th November.

ATK started their pre-season campaign from 12th October. The red and white brigade won all their four practice matches in style with Irish and English Premier League legend Robbie Keane scoring four goals showing glimpses of his agility as a versatile forward, always searching to net those memorable goals. The new Indian line up too impressed with their skills and goal scoring abilities with Striker Bipin Singh Thounaojam and Forward Robin Singh being among goals. Portuguese forward Santos Branco better known as Zequinha along with domestic midfielder, Rupert Nongrum also adding to the score line. In the final practice game they beat Turkmenistan U19 team by 5-1 to complete their pre-season tour of Dubai.

Robbie Keane joined the squad in Dubai ahead of the practice matches. After a month of preparation he has come to Kolkata with the squad. Technical Director Ashley Westwood had already returned to Kolkata four days back to do all the arrangements for the team. A lot of ATK fans were seen at the Kolkata Airport to greet the team on their arrival. Debjit Majumder, Anwar Ali, Robin Singh and other Indian players too have reached the City of Joy with the team.

The Kolkata based outfit will face least season’s runners-up Kerala Blasters in the opening game of the ISL Season 4 in Kochi, as the opening match has been shifted to the city from Kolkata. On the other hand the City of Joy will host the grand-finale of ISL Season 4 in the month of March.