Teddy Sheringham on Monday said that he would make two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champion ATK, which was earlier known as Atletico de Kolkata, switch from Spanish to English style of play this season.
“The management was Spanish in all last three years and a few Spanish players (were there). I can only lead by the way I grew up as a young player and then a senior player. I will pass on what I know — that is the British mentality.
“The Indian players have been adapting well. It will be more of British style and I hope that will be good enough for the team,” said Sheringham at ATK’s jersey unveiling event here.
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He was referring to ATK’s previous relationship with Spanish club Atletico de Madrid and Spanish coaches.
Sheringham said he was greatly impressed with the England under-17 team’s World Cup triumph in the city last month. “The way the under-17s won the championship, I would like to play like they did. I was very impressed, playing much better from the back and being in control of the ball and the game.
“Hopefully, we will take some of the lead from them and take that into the ISL season.”
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The coach said the team had a good pre-season outing during which it played four matches and would play one more on Tuesday.
Irish star Robbie Keane, who will don the ATK’s No. 10 jersey and captain’s armband this season, said: “I have chosen to come here for a different experience.
“It is not about where you play but about giving 100 per cent. I am here to help the team retain the title…
“I spoke to my friend (Alexander) del Piero and he said he enjoyed it… Teddy was a big factor in me coming here.”
ATK principal owner Sanjiv Goenka said: “For the first match in Kolkata on November 26 against Pune, we will make 10,000 seats available for ₹100 or less. It’s a special gesture for the fans.”