ISL 2018/19: Head Coach Steve Coppell announces ATK’s ‘Mr.Dependable’ for the new season


Suman Chakravorty, Kolkata:
Two times’ ISL champions ATK to begin their ISL 2018/19 campaign against Kerala Blasters Saturday at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. Before the first match of the season, the team seems to be high on confidence despite multiple injury concerns. Head Coach Steve Coppell though relying heavily on the Assistant Coach of the team Sanjoy Sen for doing well in the forthcoming season.

In the pre-match press conference, Coppell said, “We are heavily dependent on Sanjoy Sen. I couldn’t quite involve in the team selection process. So, starting from team building to the psychological and qualitative aspect of the game, it is he, who knows better than me. Not just home games, Sanjoy would be very important for us in the away games as well.”

The gaffer also heaped praise on young starlet Komal Thatal. He said, “There are two kinds of players, one who trains hard and becomes a footballer, and there are ‘born’ footballers. The second entity is the natural breed. Komal belongs to the second. A tremendous talent and he is just 18 now. As you mentioned, he played in all the pre-season matches and I assure you that there will be a lot of games under his belt this season.”

In the opening game, ATK won’t get the service of Arnab Mondal, Prabir Das and Andre Bikey because of injuries.

Coppell emphasized on giving opportunities to the local lads more this season, as he said, “I have quite a few of them this season and I will use them more as the local lads always add an extra edge to the team, because they play with a lot of motivation and that always helps.”

Coppell promised to offer attacking brand of football this season and said, “All I need from a game is three points and we will play an attacking brand of football for that.”

The team is still expecting their main attacking option Kalu Uche, as Coppell said, “He is yet to arrive and we are expecting him at any moment. He is a key option for us and an instrumental member for the squad.”