Kolkata: ATK goalkeeper Debjit Majumdar on Friday said the Indian Super League (ISL) is the top league in the country. According to Debjit, “Everybody wants to play in the top league and ISL is the top league. I wanted to play with top players like Robbie Keane and Jordi (Figueras Montel).”
He further added, “The infrastructure is better here. I got a goalkeeping coach like Jussi. I-League has good players too but I wanted to share dressing room with these players.”
The defending ISL champions have a new look side this season. The Kolkata franchise has severed ties with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
Debjit has plied his trade with ATK for the last three years. Talking about the change in dressing room this season, Debjit said, “We have improved our understanding and spoke to eachother a lot. The style maybe a bit different but football is the same. First few matches maybe tough, but as we go along it would be easier.”
Asked whether he would miss Mohun Bagan as the I-League run simultaneously with ISL from this season, he said: “Now I am a ATK player and I am thinking about ATK. I wished them (Mohun Bagan) luck for I-League but focus on Sunday’s match.”
Debjit said the fans might be more for a Mohun Bagan or East Bengal but with time ATK would catch up too.
“Maybe ATK does not have same support base as Mohun Bagan as it’s a new team. But those who love football will come to the ground.”
Defender Jordi Montel, meanwhile, picked Bengaluru FC as the early pacesetters after watching the first round of matches. Bengaluru won 2-0 against Mumbai City FC in their opening tie.
“What I saw Bengaluru FC were better organised. They have good players in front, well organised and strong behind. I watched almost every match. But you never know it’s just one game,” the Spaniard said..
ATK take on FC Pune City in their first home game at the revamped Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday. They drew 0-0 in their first match this season in Kochi against Kerala Blasters.