The Hero Indian Super League (HISL) Kolkata franchise have been quick on their feet from the time owners were announced. The tie-up with Spanish football giant Athletico Madrid was a giant leap, naming World Cupper Luis Garcia fromSpain as marquee player the next move. Brazilian striker Jose Barreto came on board as assistant coach, allowing the management access to an India expert.
The ISL international players draft saw the franchise, named Athletico de Kolkata target Spanish players, reflecting coach Jose Antonio Habas line of thought on team building. “There are a few formations that the coach wants and we chose our players accordingly. It's all about creating a balance between youth and experience,” said Saharsh Parekh, whose father is co-owner.
Marquee signing Garcia is a high-value player, adept as attacking midfielder for Athletico Madrid and Liverpool. Borja Fernandes, ex-Real Madrid midfielder, was selected as the first foreigner outside the draft. Kolkata chose ex-Barcelona midfielder Jofre Gonzalez as second pick, defender Jose Miguel Rey next, striker Arnal Libert Carbo as the fourth. Each one is from Spain and highly experienced.
Questioned about the reasoning behind assembling players from one nation, assistant coach Barreto explained: “We picked them not just because they are from Spain. They are extremely good players. Having Spanish players will make communication easier. We should not have a problem with language.” Parekh added: “Most of the players know English. Our management is trying to learn Spanish as well.”
Nine Spanish footballers were contracted by promoter IMG-R for the draft, the remaining were snapped up by other franchises. Kolkata were forced to chose from those available and got French defender Sylvian Monsoreau, Czech Republic playmaker Jakub Podany and Cameroon goalkeeper Apoula Edima Bete to complete the seven foreigner line-up. The Spanish influence continues with a training camp planned, tapping into Athletico Madrid facility.
Team cohesion is the toughest part for the franchises in the first year, with Indian and foreign players from different nationalities coming together under a foreign coach. Former Valencia and Athletico Madrid coach Habas has revealed his hand. Barreto is an iconic name in Kolkata and wields enough influence in India to bring the domestic, Indian internationals on the same wavelength. The Spanish connection will be extremely useful in the grassroots development, one of conditions agreed by each ISL franchise.
