Kolkata Oct 1 (IANS) New Atletico de Kolkata coach Jose Molina is hoping that fit-again marquee player Helder Postiga will fire on all cylinders when the former Indian Super League (ISL) champions take on holders Chennaiyin FC at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium here on Saturday.
"Last year, Helder had an injury and couldn't play after the first game," Molina told reporters at a media meet on the eve of their opening tie on Saturday.
"This year, though, we believe things will be different and hope he will help us a lot. If he scores twice in one match, we hope he can get us 20 goals if he plays 10," Molina said tongue-in-cheek.
"Look, injuries are a part and parcel of the game. You cannot do much about that as it's something that can't be controlled. But no matter what, Helder is well and truly a very important player for us."
Four East Bengal players -- Arnab Mondal, Lalrindika Ralte, Bikash Jairu and Robert Lalthlamuana -- missed ATK's pre-season stint in Spain. Like Mondal said a few days ago at another press conference that it would have helped if he could have been with the side from the beginning, Molina spoke on similar lines.
"It is a problem. I am a new coach and the tactics were affected as they were not there from beginning," the Spanish former World Cupper said.
"Sometime it is a bit difficult when you don't have all your players during a training session . But there is no room for excuses."
Asked whether ATK will have to engage in a shadow fight with former coach Habas, Molina said, "Habas did a great job here. But he is not here (in ATK) now. I am very happy with the players' work. We are now focusing on our match with Chennaiyin FC right now."
Asked if it was difficult for a goalkeeper to don the hat of a coach, Molina said, "It is not more easy or more difficult. Playing is one thing and coaching is another thing, two are completely different from each other. Now I am a coach and I will do my best to make my team win."
--IANS
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