Out of favour India defender Rakesh Masih today said the upcoming Indian Super League would provide a great platform for players like him to give a new lease of life to their careers.
“It’s a new start not only to me but for many of us. It’s a new platform. It’s a good thing. We have to do well in these two-three months,” Atletico de Kolkata’s Masih told reporters ahead of their ISL opener against Mumbai City FC on October 12 here.
Having spent about a month in Madrid for training, Masih said ATK are focused on doing well in the tournament.
“Madrid camp was very good and it was a learning experience. We had high intensity practice. Style has been changed a lot. We will do well,” said Masih.
The team may be full of Spanish players, but Masih said there was no communication gap and they were gelling well.
“We talked, we ate together. Everything was about the game. We mixed well. We have a lot of understanding. I won’t have any problems. So, let’s see.
“It was full of discipline, be it on field or at team hotel. Everybody was focussed on the target that’s ISL,” he said.
Masih further added that all teams in the ISL were at par with each other and there were no heavyweights.
“Each team has quality players. We are focussed on our team and take every match as a challenge.”
However, he admitted that with city players like India custodian Subrata Paul and midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi being a part of the Mumbai outfit, they would have a bit of an upper hand.
“Yes, it’s a bit of advantage for them having played on this turf. But like we know their strengths, they too are aware of our positives. We just want to do our respective jobs assigned by the coach,” said Masih.
Masih also urged the crowd to turn up in huge numbers and support the home team.
“Please come and support us. We won’t disappoint you,” he concluded.
