ATK are due to host Hyderabad FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Friday. Having lost their first match against Kerala, the two-time champions will be eager to turn things around in their first home match of the season.

The Kerala match saw ATK defender Prabir Das mark his return to the pitch after missing the entirety of last season with an injury. Ahead of the Hyderabad tie, indiansuperleague.com caught up with Prabir for an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts:

On the defeat to Kerala.

We started off really well and created three four good chances in the first twenty minutes. Had we converted a few more of those, then the result might have been different. We also made a few wrong decisions on the pitch which cost us. But overall, we played well last match. Now we are really looking forward to the Hyderabad match.

Special preparations to keep Hyderabad FC’s star players like Marcelo Pereira and Bobo at bay?

We do not prepare to face any individual player. Football is a team game and we believe in giving our best as a team. So, our focus is on giving 100 per cent on the pitch and try and get all three points.

On sharing the dressing room with experienced defenders like Anas Edathodika and John Johnson.

I have learnt a lot from them. If I make mistakes, I ask them for advice. Other senior players like Pritam (Kotal), Roy (Krishna), Pronay (Halder) and David (Williams) have also helped me to get better.

On making a comeback after injury.

Only a footballer would understand how difficult it is to sit in the sidelines for an entire (Hero ISL) season due to an injury. But injuries are a part of football and it can happen to any player at any time. It is important to be patient and motivated during that period to make a comeback to the team. I played the full 90 minutes the other day, which makes me very happy. Though the team played well, we unfortunately lost the match. Now, we are looking forward to the next match.

Read the Match Preview here.