Atlético de Kolkata’s dramatic 1-0 win in the Hero Indian Super League final, achieved thanks to an injury-time goal from young striker Mohammed Rafique, earned them a place in Indian footballing history as the ISL’s first champions. Underpinning their success in the inaugural season of the ISL has been their defensive solidity, after they finished the league phase with one of the best defensive records in the competition. In the knockout phase, Antonio López Habas’ side stepped up their defensive efforts a few notches further, not conceding a single goal over both legs of the semi-final – including extra time after the second leg – and then keeping a clean sheet in the final. Centre-back José Miguel González Rey aka Josemi, who has been ever-present in Kolkata’s lineup, and ended the season having played more minutes than any other player in the league, played a key role in ensuring his side’s defensive resilience throughout the season. The former Málaga and Villareal defender, who also won the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool in their epic triumph in 2005, shared his thoughts on his experience of the ISL, and how his team came together to carve out a slice of history, in an exclusive interview with indiansuperleague.comCongratulations! How does it feel to have won the first ISL championship?I’m very happy! The last four or five months, we’ve been training hard every day – and living in the team hotels, with our family not being here, which is very difficult. But I’m very happy for the team, for the city, for co-owners Atlético de Madrid – for all. First champions of the ISL! It’s unbelievable. Now it’s time to enjoy."Whether we’re defending or attacking, it’s done by all of us."JosemiAs a defender, how proud are you of having kept a clean sheet in the final?The most important thing is the team. When the team plays well, it’s because all the players play well. It wasn’t me or any individual who made that happen. All the players are good, so it’s a good team. Whether we’re defending or attacking, it’s done by all of us.You’ve played in many big matches – in the Champions League, for example. Can you describe how this experience, of the ISL final, was?Every experience is different. But this, I will enjoy a lot. Today was unbelievable for all of us. Especially for the Indian players, who have been training and have learned a lot. This moment – I’m remembering 2005 (the UEFA Champions League final with Liverpool). I’m very happy.
