ISL: Atletico de Kolkata - Team Preview

ATK might miss Garcia this season

Atletico de Kolkata won the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League, thanks to a late winner by Mohammed Rafique against Kerala Blasters in the final and are one of the favourites to win it again this season. Despite losing their star captain Luis Garcia, who also won the Indian Super League’s “Most Exciting Player of the Season” award, Atletico de Kolkata have build around a very strong team around new marquee signing Helder Postiga.

There is little doubt that the former Porto, Valencia, Lazio, Sporting Lisbon and Tottenham Hotspur striker is the best signing made this season, and is expected to light up the tournament this season. The Kolkata outfit have also replaced controversial forward Fikru with Canadian star Iain Hume. The Sourav Ganguly co-owned team also managed to add Arata Izumi and Rino Anto in the auction.

Atletico de Kolkata conducted their pre-season in Madrid, Spain. During the month-long pre-season training at Los Angeles de San Rafael ground in El Espina, the Champions played several lower division Spanish sides ahead of their season opener against Chennaiyin FC in Chennai.

Squad

Spanish goalkeeper Juan Calatayud looks set to be the first choice goalkeeper of Atletico de Kolkata and will replace Apoula Edima Edel Bete who has joined rivals Chennaiyin FC. Calatayud comes in with a lot of experience having played for Spanish sides Malaga, Getafe, Mallorca and Hercules.

In defence, Antonio Habas decided to retain former Champions League winner with Liverpool Josemi. The Spaniard was one of the key members of the side that won the league last season, and Habas will be looking to put his faith once again in him. Indian international Arnab Mondal is again expected to pair Josemi in the defence.

Rino Anto, who Atletico de Kolkata snapped up for Rs.90 lakhs in the auction, is expected to be the first choice right-back. Anto has been a key part of Benagluru FC and can really cross the ball well. The Indian international if needed can also fill up in the left-back position if Habas decides to play Denzil Franco at right-back. Spanish defender Tiri and Indian players Mohan Raj Nallapan, Augustin Fernandes and Lalchhawnkima will be hoping to impress Habas when given a chance.

Atletico de Kolkata midfield looks stronger this season with the addition of Spanish midfielders Javi Lara, Valdo and Jaime Gavilain. Javi Lara ahs played for several Spanish sides including the likes of Eibar, Elche and Valencia B. The 29-year-old is expected to feature regularly for Habas this season.

He might partner Ofentse Nato or Borja Fernandez in the midfield, who started regularly for Habas last season. Japanese born Indian midfielder Arata Izumi is also expected to be a key part of Atletico de Kolkata this season. Izumi was also snapped up in the auction for Rs.68 lakhs.Baljit Sahni and Iain Hume are expected to play in the wings.

There might be concerns regarding Hume's form as he failed to score a single goal during his recent spell with Tranmere Rovers. Nadong Bhutia, who played for Mumbai City FC last season, is expected to provide some competition to Baljit Sahni if he fails to impress.

Atletico de Kolkata's marquee signing Helder Postiga will lead the attack, and without any doubt is the most prolific striker in the league. The Portuguese international has played more than 400 games for top sides in Europe which includes the likes of Porto, Valencia, Lazio, Sporting Lisbon and Tottenham Hotspur. Postiga has also featured for Portugal for 71 times scoring 27 goals.

Starting XI: Calatayud, Franco, Josemi, Arnab, Anto, Izumi, Borja, Baljit, Javi Lara, Iain Hume, Postiga

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Head Coach

Atletico de Kolkata owners decided to retain Antonio Habas for another season, after he won them the league in the very first season. Antonio Habas comes with a massive experience having managed clubs like Granada, Valencia, and Celta. Habas also has international experience having managed Bolivia.

He knows his side needs to do much better than last season if they want to successfully defend the title. Atletico de Kolkata won just 4 games during league stage last season. The Kolkata outfit after a brilliant start to the tournament lost their way in the middle needing a draw in the last game of the league stage to qualify for the semis.

Atletico de Kolkata also failed to play an attractive brand of football in the first season, but they knew how to get the desired result. Habas’ side made their way to the finals after 9 of their games ended in a draw. Atletico de Kolkata owners will be expecting Habas’ side to play a more attractive brand of football this season.

The Kolkata boss was also involved in a controversy last season after getting into a spat with Arsenal legend Robert Pires. He was suspended for the four matches and fined ?5,00,000 .Habas comes with an experience of more than 15 years in football management, and will be a key factor for Atletico de Kolkata

How far they can go?

Atletico de Kolkata have done well to replace players and build a better squad this season. Most of their foreign players are Spanish speaking and that should help them to gel immediately. They have replaced the highly controversial Fikru with Helder Postiga, and he might be a game changer.

The Atletico de Kolkata management have upgraded in every position and that too with younger foreign players. The only concern is that they will miss a leader in Luis Garcia, who brilliantly led the team on and off the field last season.

There is no doubt they have one of the strongest sides in the league and look well equipped to defend the league title. The least that can be expected of them is to reach the semis.