The 2018-19 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) kicks-off on September 29 with ATK taking on Kerala Blasters FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The clubs have shared a fierce rivalry over the years complete with some enthralling encounters, most notably during the 2014 and 2016 finals. Both times the Kolkata outfit emerged the winners and took the trophy home.

Ahead of the big showdown on Saturday, indiansuperleague.com caught with ATK’s latest recruit John Johnson to uncover his thoughts on his new club as well as the team’s preparation. Here are the excerpts:

Are you excited about the new Hero ISL season?

Yes, we're very excited as a team and myself personally, I'm very excited. First season with ATK, so it's a new team for me and I'm looking forward to the challenge. We've worked really hard in pre-season and everyone's excited to start.

How has the transition from Bengaluru to Kolkata been for you?

Well, it's been good. Everyone's made me feel welcome. It's a fantastic city here. It's really big for football so I'm happy to be here and I'm really excited to get started. Everyone at the club has made a great effort in welcoming me, even the people, so it's a good start.

Your views on forming a potentially formidable partnership with Andre Bikey?

Partnerships take time you know. We need to get an understanding, but we've been working on it in pre-season. It takes time but I'm confident we'll be very good.

Thoughts on the opener against Kerala Blasters?

Well first, we're looking forward to it. It's difficult to see other teams. We haven't got much on them because we haven't started the league yet and everyone's a new team. They're fresh. I know they'll be organized and they'll be up for the challenge just like us. The first game is always a little bit cagey but, hopefully, we can come out on top.

Do you think it's an advantage to start the league with back-to-back home games?

Yes, I think in home games you always have a little advantage. I don't know why, but in football, it seems to be the case. The team playing at home seems to have the advantage. So yes, it's good for us that we got first two home games. Hopefully, we can get some points on the board and start well.