Jamshedpur FC will entertain ATK in their first home match of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Friday. It will be the first time Jamshedpur will experience the high-octane action of the Hero ISL, making it a historic night for the new-comers. India’s Spiderman Subrata Paul, who has been in top form this season, will be between the posts as his team gear up to take on the defending champions. Paul spoke to indiansuperleague.com in an exclusive interview ahead of the eagerly anticipated clash. Here are the excerpts.

What are your thoughts ahead of your first home match in Jamshedpur?

I am very excited. It’s my first ISL match in Jamshedpur and we are looking forward to a good performance and a full house in the stadium.

What’s your take on the two clean sheets Jamshedpur have kept so far?

Clean sheets are because we work as a team, not because of the goalkeeper. The most important thing is that we got two points from two difficult away games. Both teams – NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC – were the most difficult sides to play against away. Both teams always have a full house, good support and good teams. First two matches were very good, now whatever has happened has happened and we look forward to the next match.

How does it feel to play the first home game against ATK?

For me, it’s just another match, as a professional it’s not an excuse for me. I am born and brought up in Bengal, my family is from Bengal but now I am in Jamshedpur. As a Jamshedpur player, I will give my best, 100% and it doesn’t matter who my opponent is. Especially in my case, I have played most of my career outside of Bengal. I have played in Bengal only for five years, the rest of the years; I have played outside Bengal or in Europe.

What are your thoughts on Steve Coppell?

I have played under almost 30 coaches, but I have never met a person like him before. He is the best person I have ever met in my life. As a coach, I don’t want to say anything because he is at a different level; he is a coach from the top leagues. He is definitely a great coach and a great person. He has trusted me and picked me from the draft and now I have to do my job. He is a terrific person, I have no words to describe him.