Defending Hero Indian Super League (ISL) champions ATK travel to the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune to take on FC Pune City on Saturday. The Kolkata-based outfit has been slightly inconsistent this season, but after the arrival of Englishman Ryan Taylor, they have gone on to do well in most of their matches. The former Newcastle United player spoke to indiansuperleague.com prior to ATK’s clash with the Stallions and shared his thoughts on his experience so far. Here are the excerpts from the exclusive interview.

What made you push for a move to India with ATK?

For me, it was the manager who pushed me. He called me directly. So, for me to get the call from the manager, it shows he’s really keen, he’s really desperate to get you in the door. And so far, so good. We lost the game against Bengaluru FC, but we have also started winning games. It has been a success so far. So, as a whole, just to get the call from Teddy (Sheringham) was the biggest push for me to get here. So, I’m glad I answered that call.

After moving here, have you had any unique experiences?

To be honest, I haven’t really ventured out. But I made a goal for Teddy, that let his team win. But no unique experiences other than just playing and enjoying the Indian style of football. I think over the next few weeks or months, I will have to venture out and see what the city of Kolkata has got.

How easy or challenging was it to gel with your teammates?

It was very easy to get in and just feel part of the group because it is an English culture. It helps, with the manager being English, the staff being English and everyone in the dressing room speaking in English. For me, it did not feel very strange. I mean obviously you got to get used to people, people’s names, and how people act. You know you are coming into a whole new environment, but for me, it was very easy. And that just starts with the fact that everyone just welcomes you instantly, all the Indian staff, the key men to the team manager, and then you have got the manager who is known for quite a while now and it just made it easy for me. So, to answer your question, it was very easy for me to gel in amongst a fantastic bunch of lads.

Lastly, do you feel under pressure since you are playing for Hero ISL’s most successful team and under a manager who has won the UEFA Champion’s League?

For me personally, I do not feel any major pressure to play. I know that there is pressure to win games of football. But if I go out playing and I feel like there is pressure, maybe it changes the game, the style as there would be pressure on myself. I have enjoyed the games so far. But I don’t want to bring in added pressure. I know exactly what this football club is all about. I know about the last few years where they have won titles and the success they have had. And hopefully we can carry this on. We are not in a bad position; we want to be better.