The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) returns to the revamped Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, where the home team ATK shall take on FC Pune City. Having shared the spoils with Kerala Blasters FC in their opening fixture at Kochi, ATK will bank on the home advantage to register their season’s first victory. Ahead of Sunday’s encounter, indiansuperleague.com caught up with ATK’s right-back Prabir Das, who was retained by the club ahead of the 2017-18 season and put up an inspiring display to thwart Kerala’s formidable attack in the season opener. Here are the excerpts.

What was the feeling like lifting the trophy last season?

It was the first trophy of my career. A very big achievement for me! I’ve been playing for five years, and winning the last time out was a really good feeling.

What did you make of the goalless draw in ATK’s first game against Kerala?

In the last game, the very fact that 11 players were on the pitch was a big deal as many players were out injured. It was difficult for the coach too, because he didn’t have a lot of options. In spite of that, we played very well. Three points would’ve been a big boost but we’re happy with the point.

How are the players preparing for the match against Pune?

We are on the right track. We will put in a 100% tomorrow. Let’s see what happens.

Teddy Sheringham was a striker in his playing days, but you being a defender, how does he coach you?

Even though he was a striker, he knows the dynamics of the team well. If we happen to make a mistake, he’ll make sure that he has a word with us. Also, if we do something good, he is quick to praise us.

You played your home games at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium last year. What do you have to say about playing at the Salt Lake Stadium this year?

We’re excited! Last year, because of the World Cup preparations, we were unable to play there. Now we’re all the more excited and pumped up to play well.