Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata welcome the team from capital, Delhi Dynamos, in round 6 of the Hero Indian Super League, with coach Antonio Lopez Habas underlining the need for patience as they challenge for a spot in playoffs.
Atletico de Kolkata, on a two match losing streak, will aim for nothing less than a victory if they have any hopes of retaining any ambition.
a Ita s crucial for us to have those three points. You have to remain calm, progress everyday and progress with every game. This is the mentality that we must have,a Habas said during the pre-match media briefing.
Atletico de Kolkata have faced major injury concerns this season and will be missing out on the services of Josemi for the rest of season but have a good news with marquee player Helder Postiga nearing his recovery from injury.
Habas, though, seemed indifferent as he looks to concentrate with the players on hand
.
a Our target will always be to win the game, no matter what. We cannot cry over players who are not with us tomorrow. I am very happy with the players (who are available). I trust hundred percent the remaining players,a said the Spanish coach, adding that he was pleased that, despite the losses, his team were creating several opportunities to score.
Delhi Dynamos have won three of their first five matches and coach Roberto Carlos is awaiting a tough battle against the defending champions.
a Ita s never good to have any injury, either for my team or that of the opponent. I will never be happy if someone is injured. But when you talk of ATK, they are obviously the champions of this league. They have great players,a said Carlos.
a Ita s going to be a good team as both teams love to attack. Our goal is certainly to collect full points,a said the Brazilian World Cup winner.
Asked why his team has scored so few goals in the competition and escaped with narrow victories, Carlos chose to salute the opponents.
a I want to congratulate our opponents because they have defended well. They know how to play (against us). They know the skills of our players, so they defend hard. Our players, Malouda, Gustavo, Gadze, Robin will have to move better and faster, so that they can score more,a said Carlos.
ATK are placed fifth on the table with seven points while Delhi Dynamos are occupying the fourth position with nine points from five matches.
Image Courtesy: ISL Media