Returning from its outstation ventures bruised, but unconquered, Atletico de Kolkata will look to tend to the wounds and consolidate when it takes on its last year’s final opponent, Kerala Blasters in its first home outing of the Hero-ISL Season-2 at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Tuesday.
The host will be missing five players — Portuguese striker Helder Postiga, Botswana defender Ofentse Nato and Indians Baljit Singh Sahni, Arnab Mondal and Rino Anto — to injury, suspension and national duty.
Coach Antonio Habas said the situation was difficult but the team was prepared for the challenge. “I have absolute confidence in the 18 players that I have for selection. We have started the season well, having beaten Chennaiyin FC and picked up a point against FC Goa, which was a very tough match,” Habas said.
The match assumes special significance with the presence of Brazilian legend Pele among the spectators. ‘The King of Football’ will have a session with the ATK players in the afternoon, which Habas said would serve as great motivation for the team.
“Having Pele in the audience will be great, especially because the team is playing its first home match,” Habas said.
With the Salt Lake Stadium pitch returning to natural turf, the home side sounded upbeat. “This will be less traumatic for the players,” Habas said, referring to the experience he had in the inaugural season when his team had to play on artificial turf.
Kerala Blasters, meanwhile, is in much better shape in comparison, missing only two Indians — defender Sandesh Jinghan and midfielder Cavin Lobo, to national duty.
The team, which is on four points earned from a 3-1 win against NorthEast United FC and a goalless draw against Mumbai City FC, will be further strengthened by the inclusion of its marquee player Carlos Marchena. The Spanish World Cupper, who missed the first two outings because of injury, is available for selection, according to the Kerala Blasters head coach Peter Taylor.
The former England manager said he would like to continue with the rotation policy as it saves a player from getting worn out after playing close matches.
“We have started well this season and are already on four points, which we had reached after playing five matches last season,” Taylor said.
“We have a decent team shape and expect to do well against a good side like Atletico de Kolkata,” he added.
