Subrata Paul was in fantastic form during Mumbai City FC's training session at the Salt Lake Stadium, on the eve of the eagerly anticipated season opener. The shot-stopper was in outstanding form as he produced save after save to deny most of his compatriots and was visibly grumpy when he was sent the wrong way by Nicolas Anelka who nonchalantly slid the ball into the bottom-left corner. The goalkeeper was however not willing to comment about the artificial turf that will supposedly test all the players when they go head to head tomorrow. Speaking exclusively to indiansuperleague.com, Paul revealed that as a professional football player he did not have any complaints. "I have played here before. I would not like to comment on the surface. Whatever surface I play on, I will have to give my best," he said.

When asked about how his team would cope with the sapping heat and humidity in Kolkata, Paul was quick to state that the team would now have to adapt, "Mumbai has a different weather, Kolkata is different and so is Shillong. India is a huge country with varying climatic conditions. We’ll have to acclimatise. The weather here has been fine for the last few days. Today we enjoyed our training and the weather was bearable. We’re expecting the same weather for tomorrow." Having played numerous home games at the Salt Lake Stadium, Paul is not fazed by the fact that he is a part of the away team that will have to deal with the vociferous support the home team will receive from the unique Kolkata crowd, "It’s nothing much. I have played for many clubs in India. As a professional player, wherever I play, I have to perform. I’ve played in Kolkata, I’ve played in Mumbai too. I try to give my 100 per cent and will try to help and win the match for my team."

Despite all his experience, Paul is extremely happy to have his national and ex-club compatriots, Deepak Mandal and Syed Rahim Nabi in front of him, "Throughout my career, I had become used to playing with Deepak Mandal and (Mahesh) Gawli. They were very good defenders. I am happy to have Deepak and Nabi now as I love playing with them."

"Pavel (Cmvos) is doing well too. Then we have Raju (Gaikwad), who is one of the best defenders in India right now. Manuel Friedrich is a mentor for the entire defensive unit. Our defence looks strong," he added with a smile.

Paul is also highly pleased to share space with the two legendary veterans in Freddie Ljungberg and Anelka which is apparent from his effusive praises, "To have players like Anelka and Ljungberg in the dressing room and on the ground is very good influence, and it will help in our performance. I hope such big players keep coming in the future. It is going to help Indian football in the long term.”

He reserved a special word for the ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid star who clearly has made a big impact with his arrival. "Anelka has been one of the best players of the world. When I face him I’m always excited, he scores really good goals and I like trying to keep him out. I like talking to him, training with him and I want to learn from him. I wish as a result of this, my performances evolve in the future."

With the interview coming to an end, Paul sipped long and hard on his energy drink before answering our last question - what were his thoughts before the big opening day encounter? "This is the first match of the tournament and it is a fire-cracker of a game. I feel that everybody will struggle a bit because of the short time we have had to prepare. I wish and pray for everyone. I hope that they remain fit and perform well. I leave the result in God’s hands. I cannot predict the result. The only thing I can assure you is that we will give our all and play good football. I hope both teams perform well and that Mumbai City FC is the one that wins," he said as he smiled and walked away.