ISL 5: ATK, Kerala begin with contrasting goals in mind

Given how their seasons panned out last year, ATK and Kerala Blasters have gone opposite directions with their strategies and team building for this season. They, for the third time in five seasons, face each other in the league’s opening encounter in Kolkata on Saturday.

ATK finished ninth among ten teams in 2017, Kerala Blasters came sixth and it was understandable that after a disastrous campaign, the Kolkata based franchise is hungry and raring to get some pride back.

“They have gone with a short-term strategy and are looking for immediate results,” said KBFC coach David James talking about ATK. “We have emphasized more on the future along with the present.”

“A lot of their signings come with ISL experience, especially players who have done well in ISL last season,” added the former Liverpool goalkeeper. He was referring to the signing of Manuel Lanzarote, Kalu Uche, Gerson Vieria, John Johnson and Pronay Halder. “We have roped in players with a longer strategy, looking at the future of Kerala Blasters.”

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The Blasters have given James a three-year contract, while ATK coach Steve Coppell wasn’t involved at all in building the team. And when asked how much of a say he had in constructing the squad, James said: “very much involved.”

“We saw hours and hours of videos. Our model is based around a longer strategy. We also looked into the future of Kerala Blasters. We have got many young foreign talents, got some Indian players, who have come through the system and other youngsters, who might not feature at all this season. It’s an interesting strategy that we have got, especially in Indian terms and so in the ISL terms as well.”

Steve on the other heavily relied on his assistant coach Sanjoy Sen. “He has been invaluable in the construction of the squad. I have been heavily dependent on him on that area and his expertise and experience have been invaluable.”

Kerala’s long-term strategy also involved signing young players, who James believes will also be the future for the Blasters. They have an average squad of 24-year-olds – the youngest this season – and almost four years younger to the average age of 28 in ATK.

The two-time champions underwent a major upheaval retaining none of their imports while keeping just six of their Indian recruits. Just like the contrast in their strategies, Kerala went the opposite way and kept two overseas players all of who were part of the 12 players retained.

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Even if Coppell talked about the big advantage of continuity in ISL, he would do well to know that with seven new foreign signing and 12 new Indian recruits it will be a new beginning for the former signings. “We have a squad very different from last year,” he said, “It will certainly be a new beginning.”

But even with a new start, ATK are desperate for a win at home. Kerala coach James on the other talked about setting his record alright against the Kolkata team. He wants a win but also has the long season in mind.

On Saturday, ATK desperation for a bright start against the calculated approach of the Blasters actually may bring their contrasting approach to the foray.

Image Credit: Indian Express