Xtra Time Web Desk: ATK Mohun Bagan’s star striker Roy Krishna on Friday said the upcoming AFC Cup matches is a golden opportunity to establish ATK Mohun Bagan on the map of Asia. Roy Krishna and co will be flying off to Maldives on Saturday morning to take part in the upcoming AFC Cup matches. The Mariners were involved in a rigorous training session for two weeks in Kolkata.
“I will play in the AFC Cup for the first time. It is a golden opportunity to establish the club on the map of Asia. I have no idea about the opponent team. However, the clubs of all the countries will be prepared. I am also hopeful that our team will do well. Our first goal is to go to the next round,” Roy Krishna said to ATKMB Media.
Aussie David Williams joined the team a few days back. Head Coach Antonio Habas has included Williams in his squad after feeling satisfied with his physical ability.
“David has practiced well. I told the footballers that we are going to play in an international tournament. You have to work hard, you have to give your best,” said Habas.
The mood in the Mariners camp is confident ahead of the team’s departure.
Goalkeeper Amarinder Singh has been part of AFC Cup matches with Bengaluru FC. He was also part of the runner up squad once. But this time the goalkeeper eyes a step further.
According to Amarinder, “I have played twice in the AFC Cup in another club’s jersey. We have been runners-up once. This time we are going to Maldives to become the champion. The way we have prepared and as we have a strong team, we have a chance to become champions.”
Pritam Kotal exuded confidence due to the fact that the team had roped in some great foreigners.
“I have played in the AFC Cup twice. Once we even reached the second round. This time our club is stronger. We have seven footballers from the national team. The best foreigners are in the team. We will play to become the champion,” Pritam said.
Striker Manbir Singh is hoping to score for the Mariners if given an opportunity.
“I have scored goals for the country in the international tournaments. I also played some matches. But I never played in the AFC Cup. I will play wearing the green-maroon jersey. It is a different feeling. I have to score goals. We have to win. I am not thinking of becoming the champion now. The goal is to reach the next round,” said Manbir.