Exclusive: “I am still waiting for a national team call-up”, says Gokulam Kerala player Abhishek Das

The life of Abhishek Das has been topsy-turvy so far. The right-back of Gokulam Kerala FC had started his career with East Bengal and played for Mohun Bagan too. He spent two loan stints at Indian Arrows and United Sikkim. He was a part of the title-winning Chennaiyin FC team in 2015.

Now for Gokulam Kerala, Abhishek is having a new experience. The love for football among Keralites is well known and Abhishek is enjoying every bit of it. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Abhishek spoke about everything from his time with both the Kolkata giants to his experience in ISL club Chennaiyin and his future aims.

Q: What made you fall in love with football?

A: My mother has played a vital role to get me where I'm today. Honestly, we came from a poor family. Two of my uncles got jobs by playing football. After graduating from the Tata Football Academy, I signed for East Bengal before being loaned out to the Indian Arrows and that's how the journey began.

Q: This is your first season at Gokulam. How are you feeling at a new club?

A: I am enjoying my first stint with the team already. The players and the management are helping me from the first day. It feels nice to be here.

Q: Say something about your team. Has the coach fixed any target?

A: The team did well last season. This year the aim is to improve and do even better. We have a balanced squad with some good local and foreign players. The aim is to learn, grow and deliver!

Q: Why did you shift your base from Kolkata to Kerala?

A: I spent last season with Mohun Bagan. I enjoyed regular playing time under former coach Sanjoy Sen, post which I lost my place in the first team. I never wished to leave Kolkata, keeping in mind about my playing time which was always a priority. I decided to take up a new challenge.

Initially, we were in talks with quite a few ISL franchises, but things didn't really work out. As a footballer, everyone dreams about playing in Kerala, because of its fans and the support you receive. There was an opportunity and challenge for me here and i decided to take it up.

Q: What is the difference between Kolkata and Kerala in terms of football culture?

A: The difference is vast, I have had my own share of ups and downs but at the end of it I have survived. I would always stay grateful for everything received and move on to a new journey I want to work hard and deliver better.

There is no respect for the local players in Kolkata. They work hard and perform well under immense pressure. But if you have one bad day in office, people will criticise you and laugh at you, forgetting all the good performance you have done before. Outstation players get more respect than local players, irrespective of their performance.

The picture is completely different in other states, more so in Kerala. We have 11 local players in our squad. The club does everything to make them confident. The club will always stand beside them. You won’t find that in Kolkata.

But one thing I must say that Sankarlal Sir (Mohun Bagan coach) has given priority to the local players like Sourav (Das), Pintu (Mahata). You can see how much they have improved after playing regularly. You have to give chances to the players to get the best out of him.

Q: You have played for both the Kolkata giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. Which was your favourite stint?

A: To be honest, can’t really compare it’s been an absolute honour to don the jerseys for both teams.

I have played for East Bengal and featured regularly in the team. But Chennaiyin FC offered me a huge contract and I decided to go there. Otherwise, I would’ve stayed there.

I also have some beautiful memories with Mohun Bagan. But I decided to leave since I wasn’t getting enough chances. Especially the way Arijit (Mohun Bagan right-back Arijit Bagui) performed last season, there was little chance scope for me to be included in the starting line-up.

Q: How was your experience with Chennaiyin FC?

A: It’s been one of the best moments for me. To have an opportunity to train and play with players like Elano, Silvestre etc, whom I once admired over television. After a tough start in the second season, with all the hard work we put in and the backing we got from the fans being crowned champions in the second season, will truely be one of the greatest memories for me.

Q: National team coach Stephen Constantine is giving chances to new blood in his team. As you are yet to make your debut in the senior team, what target have you set for yourself in future?

A: I got my maiden call-up when Bob Houghton was the coach. But before I could attend the national camp, Houghton got sacked and Stephen Constantine was appointed as the coach. He rejected the previous list of players which were picked by Houghton.

Representing your nation is always a feeling of pride. Although I have represented India between the U-13 to U-23 across various competitions which include the Pre Olympics and Asian Games. My aim is to work hard and make it to the senior national team.

Q: Is there any specific target that you’ve set for yourself?

A: For now my only aim is to work hard, focus and give it my best shot for my team going on to win as many matches as possible. I don’t know what will happen in future. I hear the leagues could be merged. If that doesn’t happen, I will try to make a comeback in any of the ISL teams.

Q: Do you want to make a comeback to Kolkata?

A: If I get a chance, then certainly I will.