ATK welcome Bengaluru FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18. The defending champions are on a poor run of form and would want to end their streak of three consecutive losses, with a win over one of the league’s most consistent teams, while keeping their fading playoffs hope alive. A revelation in the ATK midfield this season has been Hitesh Sharma, who has looked sharp thus far. The 20-year-old took time to address indiansuperleague.com prior to the clash against the Blues and shared his thoughts regarding the season and the match ahead. Here are the excerpts from the interview.

A must-win match tomorrow. What is the mood in the camp like?

Many injured players have come back, so the mood is okay. It is a must-win and we have to win for the fans. We are working on it and I am sure we will get a positive result.

How much has Hero ISL helped you to develop as a  player?

Before this, even after two years in (Hero) I-League, I had not got much game-time. This year, I have got more game-time and matches. So, it’s a very important thing that has helped develop me.

Tell us the part of the game you work on.

I am working on developing my game. But the coaches and the staff help me a lot. (It’s great) playing with the likes of Robbie Keane. He is always shouting at me to help me improve things and all. So, it is a pleasure playing alongside him.

If you were not a midfielder, which position would you like to play?

I always like to play as an attacking midfielder. Since I am the main man for my team in that position, I am working on it.

Who has been your footballing idol while growing up and why?

I like David Silva because he is a creative player. I like his decision-making, his creativity and the way he plays. Unfortunately, I am not left-footed, but I like him.

ATK has always qualified for the playoffs, but it is looking increasingly difficult now. What has gone wrong this season?

I can’t tell you much because I am not mature enough to tell you what has gone wrong and what has gone right. But there has been a lot of injuries and that may be the main concern.

Do you think the inclusion of six Indian players in the starting eleven, has helped them develop their game?

It has helped a lot. The twelve players are getting more game-time. So, in future, it will help a lot. The priorities have been increased for Indian players, so it is helping a lot.

What is the mindset of the team heading into the clash?

The main thing for us is to get a good result that will give us confidence. So, it is important to win. Robbie is back. So, tomorrow we will surely get a positive result.