In a few days, exhilarating football action returns to India with the commencement of the 2018-19 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) from September 29. On Saturday, the second stage of the Hero ISL Media Day was held at Kolkata, with players and coaches from ATK, Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC present to address the media ahead of the new season.

New signings to bring the difference

After helming Kerala Blasters FC and Jamshedpur in two consecutive seasons, Steve Coppell find himself in the den of two-time champions ATK for season 5. In the two seasons he has been a part of the league, his teams have always looked to be more defensively solid than ruthless upfront. When asked about this, the Englishman said, "I don't design teams to be defensive. For the last two years, I might not have had those players that could give that something extra in the final third. We don't really massively concentrate on defensive work. It is all down to the players you have.”

ATK currently have the best squad on paper, with the management bringing a complete overhaul after the disappointment of last season. Even the gaffer seemed pleased with the new signings and shared, “I am very happy with ATK's squad. There is an attacking threat with Kalu (Uche), Lanza (Manuel Lanzarote), and Balwant (Singh). It is the duty of the other players to provide these creative players with the delivery when we have the ball.  We would certainly look to go forward when we have the ball.”

With three international breaks in the 2018-19 season, the 63-year-old also spoke about the fixtures. “The schedule is almost like a waltz. Suddenly, we have games thick and fast and then one moment there is a lull. In a period in November, we have just one game in 20 days. But what remains constant throughout the season is mental determination. Looking at the Hero ISL, continuity is an advantage." he said.

Cahill the key to success

In Jamshedpur’s second season, the club would want to initially target the playoffs, something they missed narrowly last season. With the appointment of head coach Cesar Ferrando after the departure of Steve Coppell and a host of new signings, the biggest of it all being Australian legend Tim Cahill, Jamshedpur look much stronger. When asked about Cahill’s influence, Ferrando said, “Tim Cahill has to play like a striker. We have seven international players and we can only field five, so Tim is very important to us. He is an example for the rest of the team.”

The Spaniard also shed light on his thoughts about the Indian contingent of Jamshedpur. “The Indian players want to learn and that is a very good quality. They have to work hard and understand the game. When you are losing you have to press more and when you are winning you have to press less. They have to adapt to different situations. If they do well they get a chance in the first team,” he inferred.

Attacking football on the cards

Eelco Schattorie, who was NorthEast’s assistant coach in 2017-18 has been made the head coach of the Highlanders this season. A person who knows the setup well and was a part of their disappointing season last time around, spoke about what challenges lie ahead for him. "The challenge is that there is huge pressure on me,” he shared. “If you have never qualified, you are asked to do so. Ten teams have the same goal and in the end, only one will reach that goal. I am a person who likes to play productive and progressive football. I am not the person who likes to hang back and play on the counter. I like to attack and dominate.”

NorthEast have always believed in giving local talent a chance and has one of the youngest squads in the league. When speaking about this aspect of the club, the Dutchman said, ‘Young players follow a trajectory where they are inconsistent. It is a huge task to bring consistency with young players. If you lose a few times, then there is pressure. So far all the signings that we have made including the overseas one are growing together as a team. What happens on the field is a process. We will work together to make the best out of the season."