From being Atletico de Kolkata to just ATK, encapsulates the transformation of the most consistent side in the Indian Super League. Winning two titles in three editions, the Kolkata franchise showed the efficacy of its association with the Spanish giant Atletico Madrid.
But with the league expanding to a protracted format in the fourth season, ATK has subtly changed its affiliation to the English system.
While most other sides overhauled their squads ahead of each season, ATK has preserved the nucleus of its players all this while. This happened purely because Atletico Madrid handled the technical aspects of the team providing its support staff and expertise.
Now that the former La Liga champion has decided to part ways with the Kolkata franchise, the Spanish system has been replaced with an English style of football. That came about with the appointment of former English international Teddy Sheringham as the new coach.
- 2014: Champion.
- 2015: Semifinals.
- 2016: Champion.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United forward will look to introduce the English philosophy in collaboration with technical director and compatriot Ashley Westwood, who has a good idea of Indian conditions having helped Bengaluru FC to two I-League titles in three seasons.
Former Spurs great Robbie Keane has also come in as the notable purchase of the season. With most of the side overhauled, it will be interesting to see how the side switches over to the system dominated by Premier League stalwarts.
In the opening season, ATK beat Kerala Blasters 1-0 in the final to claim the title under the guidance of Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas and marquee player and former Spanish World Cupper Luis Garcia.
In 2015 ATK reached the play-offs with Portuguese international Helder Postiga and Canadian forward Iain Hume in its ranks.
The next year (2016) another Spaniard — former Villarreal manager Jose Molina — helped the team beat Kerala Blasters again (this time on penalties) to bag its second crown in three editions.
