All set to conquer the imagination of fans for the second season as well the Champions of the inaugural edition of Indian Super League, Atletico de Kolkata, have set their foot in the football capital of India, Kolkata, post the team’s month-long pre-season at Los Angeles de San Rafael ground in El Espinar, Segovia, Spain. The training module was designed to get the footballers in right physical shape for the demanding second season of Indian Super League commencing on 3rd October.
The team which aims to retain the trophy today met with the members of the media to discuss the plans on the days ahead and how the team has shaped up for their first encounter and the entire season. Head Coach - Antonio Lopez Habas, Marquee Player - Hélder Postiga, and co-owners of the team graced the occasion.
“On behalf of the team management, I welcome back the entire team from an exciting yet grueling pre-season in Spain. We have some of the best football talents who are all set to showcase their skills a week away from now. Slowly the players are getting into the groove as a team and moving towards the business end. We also welcome amidst us our marquee player Hélder Postiga who I am sure with his enormous experience will encourage the entire side to perform their very best,” said Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman RP- Sanjiv Goenka Group, Co-owner, Atlético de Kolkata.
“The team is confident and ready to take on the new season of ISL. The training at Segovia has definitely helped the boys to be in good shape and also know each other and communicate efficiently. The technical aspect of the players was scrutinized for the whole month in order to attain their optimum potential,” remarked Antonio Lopez Habas, Head Coach, Atlético de Kolkata.
“I am really excited to be part of Indian Super League and a Champion side like Atlético de Kolkata. I have heard a lot about the passionate fans of Kolkata. I hope with my brand of football I will be able to contribute in a positive manner throughout the season. We really had an exciting pre-season in Spain but now it is performance time and I am sure he entire team is eager to prove themselves on the field,” added marquee player Helder Postiga.
Pele excited to be back at the Salt Lake stadium
The City of Joy is all set to be enthralled and enchanted again by Brazilian legend, also known as “The Black Pearl”, Pele, after 38 years. The three-time World Cup winner for Brazil will be present at Atlético de Kolkata’s first home match in the second season of ISL on October, 13th, Tuesday against the runner’s up of last year Kerala Blasters FC.
The team will organize a press conference with the legend on 12th of October. “Hello, I am very happy to attend the Atlético de Kolkata first home match. I look forward to visit the Salt Lake Stadium and meeting the players and the fans. Fatafati Football,” Pele was quoted by Atletico de Kolkata.
The team received a phenomenal response from the fans once the registration process was announced. Atletico de Kolkata, have already enrolled almost 4000 fans for the first year and they will be offered non-transferable season tickets along with official jersey, flag, wristbands and access to a special fan zone created at the Salt Lake Stadium, a part of the stand which will be earmarked only for the red and white brigade.
The match day tickets will be available for all on Bookmyshow.com and also will be available at the box office at Salt Lake Stadium.