Xtra Time Web Desk: ATK Mohun Bagan goal machine Roy Krishna has hailed SC East Bengal as a formidable side compared to last season ahead of the Kolkata derby in Indian Super League (ISL 2021-22) season at Tilak Maidan on Saturday (November 27). The Fijian striker in an interview to ATK Mohun Bagan media team reckon the Red & Golds are a much better side having watched them play in the first match against Jamshedpur FC. Roy Krishna, who is also one of the three captains of ATK Mohun Bagan this season will be looking to score in the derby. He scored in both the derby last season. Here are the excerpts of the interview of Roy Krishna:
Q: Last season, you won and scored in both the derby. This season what are your individual expectations?
Roy Krishna: First and foremost, my expectation is always to help my team win, whether it’s through a goal that I score myself, an assist, or by defending, I always have the goal to win. It’s also my personal challenge to increase the number of goals I score so I can keep improving every match.
Q: Did you watch the first game of SC East Bengal? What do you think are their strengths?
Roy Krishna: I watched the first game of SC East Bengal and I think they have a formidable team this season. They have a good and solid backline and having Arindam as a goalie who was the best keeper last season is an advantage for them.
Q: We’ve seen in the match against Kerala a beautiful partnership between Hugo Boumous and you. What is your opinion of Hugo as a player after the first game?
Roy Krishna: I think Hugo is a playmaker and he creates a lot of chances for us. He made some good touches in the last match and scored a brace. I really enjoy playing alongside him and I look forward to creating some good memories on the field with him.
Q: Every season, it is a common phenomenon for opponents to man-mark you constantly. Now that Hugo, Liston and Manvir are equally taking part in offence, would it release some pressure from you?
Roy Krishna: I think for any team playing against us, it would be a challenge to mark the attacking side as we all have our individual strengths and at any point, we can be given an opportunity to score, so the defense would have to keep a watchful eye. It doesn’t mean that I’m released from any pressure, my aim is to help our front line convert every opportunity we get in front of the goal line.
Q: Are you satisfied with the overall performance as a team against Kerala Blasters? Where do you think the team might need a little improvement?
Roy Krishna: I think we did well in the first half but the second half could have done well with more focus. However, it was our first match and we are still learning to play alongside each other, especially with the new players who’ve joined us. The coach has tasked us to re-evaluate our performance and work out a better plan for the next match. We will be taking it one match at a time and will be strategizing accordingly.