It’s a battle for supremacy in the 2016 Hero Indian Super League when NorthEast United FC host Atlético de Kolkata at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Friday evening. Both teams will displace Mumbai City FC at the top of the league with a win. However, most importantly, both sides will look to return to winning ways having tasted defeat in their last match. 23-year-old ATK defender Pritam Kotal, who has played in five of ATK’s six games so far this season, spoke to indiansuperleague.com ahead of the match and shared his thoughts. Here are the excerpts from the match.

ATK have been doing very well on the road, what do you think is the reason?

I think we are always together. The last 1-2 months in Spain we did really well in practice. I think that could be the reason.

You have played for FC Pune City in the previous two seasons and now with ATK, how has it been?

Firstly, this is my home town so I am really happy to be back. FC Pune City also was a good team and they’ve got a good team this year too. They wanted me to stay back again this season but when I got the opportunity to play for my home team I didn’t have any second thoughts and decided to play here.

First half of the season is nearly over and you have played six matches. Are you happy with the team’s performance so far?

Yes, I am really happy and we are doing well. Even in the last match we were playing well but unfortunately in the second half we conceded the goal but we are improving a lot.

NorthEast United FC vs ATK has never ended in a draw. Do you think this trend will continue?

Yes, I think we will win tomorrow. I am confident and the team too is confident. We always want to keep winning.

NorthEast United FC have a great attack and you need to be on your toes against such a team. What are your thoughts on the threat NorthEast United FC pose?

They are a very good team this year. They have got good players like Romaric, Nico Velez, etc. Especially Nico Velez whom I like a lot as a player. We are aware of them and we have prepared accordingly for the next match.

Any thoughts on your goalkeeper Debjit Majumder, he has been in excellent form…

Yes, I feel he is the best now. Last three years, I have been playing with him and he has been brilliant. I don’t know what to say about him but he is brilliant.