ATK host Chennaiyin FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Thursday in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18. The defending champions have had a disappointing season till date and have made some changes in their overall set-up to get their campaign back on track. Welsh national David Cotterill is one of the three new recruits for the hosts and the 30-year-old is looking to get back to winning ways with the men in red and white. Speaking to indiansuperleague.com before the game, he stressed the importance of three points in the upcoming fixture. Here are the excerpts.

How difficult is it to join a team mid-season and hit the ground running?

Yes, I think the January transfer window is very difficult and managers all over the world complain about it. It’s important that I come here, try my best for the club and hopefully, we can start winning some games.

What led to your decision of coming to India?

I just fancied a change in the style of football and a different culture. I just decided to try a new experience.

How is ATK going to bounce back from the 3-0 loss in the last game?

It’s been a good week of training, so far. I think we need to play a lot better going forward. Everyone has been working extremely hard to do that.

What type of a player do you see yourself as?

When I play, it’s important for me to help the team to assist or score some goals. I’ve been brought to create a lot more chances and score goals and hopefully, that will help us win some matches.

What do you like most – scoring or assisting?

Scoring goals is obviously the best thing, but I get my satisfaction in setting up goals as well. For me, if the team is winning that’s the most important thing.

Ryan Taylor used to play with you in your time with Wigan Athletic. Does it help to have a familiar face in the dressing room?

Yes, obviously it’s important. I’ve known Ryan for many years, over 10 years. We still keep in touch. I asked how it was here and he said he enjoyed playing. So, if we start winning matches, we’ll be a lot happier.

Your full name is David Rhys George Best Cotterill, so how did George Best get in there?

I think my dad is a big Manchester United fan and he thought of popping that in as my middle name. It’s really strange because when I got married, they read out my full name. I don’t think too many people knew about my full name and they were just laughing. I do get that question quite a lot.

How do you plan on taking on Chennaiyin?

I think if we play to our strengths like we’ve been training, then we give ourselves a good chance. It’s really important that we start winning some matches to finish in that top four. The first step is on Thursday. Hopefully, if we improve from the last games, we’ll pick up the three points that we want.

Any message for the fans?

I think it’s important that they stay behind the team. Everyone’s working hard. The manager’s working really hard and so are the players. If they get behind us, that’ll help us get the win on Thursday.