With backs to the wall, ATK plan to strike back against Goa

ATK doesn’t have much of a choice rather than go all out and secure a win against FC Goa that will enhance their chances of qualification to the Hero Indian Super League play-offs
Steve Coppell’s team has the joint-best defensive record in the league this season, having conceded just 15 goals in 15 matches. However, they also have the joint-worst record in the final third, having scored just 15 goals so far. With 21 points, the sixth-placed Kolkata-based club can equal fourth-placed NorthEast United on points with a win against Goa, but Sergio Lobera, thanks to an improved defence this season, has developed his team into a solid, well-oiled unit.
There were no goals in the last meeting between these two teams, but a repeat of that result will do no good to either team’s play-off hopes. The league’s highest scorers will have to find a way past the ATK backline which has looked a bit shaky off late.
“You come to Goa and see the players they have, they are very good and have a great coach who organizes them very well. But our task is more or less defined. For us to be in control of own destiny, we need to win. Had we come here earlier this season, a draw could have been seen as a good result, but for us tomorrow, realistically a draw is not a good result,” said Coppell.
ATK are coming off a disappointing 2-2 draw against FC Pune City where they conceded a late equaliser. In fact, they have leaked in late goals in their last three matches, something that will concern the visitors. ATK’s key to unlock the opponents will be the combination of Manuel Lanzarote and Edu Garcia in the attacking third. The duo were lethal against Jamshedpur in Kolkata, but couldn’t do the same in the last game. In addition, Lanzarote will be keen to perform against his old team. However, Lobera feels Garcia is a bigger threat than his former protege.
“I think we are facing a great team but I would only like to talk about my players. We have to beat a team, not an individual player. At this moment, I think Edu Garcia has been in great form for them,” said Lobera. Last season, it was Lobera’s Goa who ended the play-off hopes of Jamshedpur FC, who incidentally were coached by Coppell. The Englishman will be eager to ensure it is not the case again as a loss or a draw will effectively end their chances.
ATK have been the most shot-shy team this season, attempting just 9.5 shots per game. Goa are placed at the other end of the list, with 15.5 shots per match. This might well be a a case of ‘attack against defence.
– Courtesy ISL Media
Also Read: Robin Singh ends goal drought as Pune-ATK encounter end in 2-2 draw
Also Read: Have table toppers Bengaluru FC lost steam or is it just a hiccup?
FC Goa part ways with 7 first-team players
FC Goa have confirmed the departures of seven first-team players – Anwar Ali, Redeem Tlang, Makan Chothe, Hernan Santana, Marc Valiente, Lenny Rodrigues and Nongdamba Naorem – following the end…
WIFA Inter District / WIFA Youth Championship
Mumbai Triumphs in the WIFA Inter District Championship: Dominant Victory Secures Junior Boys’ Title
In an exhilarating clash between Mumbai and Pune, the WIFA Inter District Championship reached its pinnacle as Mumbai emerged victorious with a resounding 5-0 triumph in the final showdown. The…
Odisha FC owner pushes for holistic growth of women’s football in India
NEW DELHI: If there was an award for game of the season, it is safe to say the Hero Indian Women’s League (IWL) quarterfinal between Odisha FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC…
FC Goa appoints Manolo Marquez as new Head Coach
FC Goa confirm the appointment of Manolo Marquez as the Club’s new Head Coach. The Spaniard has put pen to paper on a multi-year contract that will see him take…
No stopping Delhi FC at the second time of asking
NEW DELHI: Slow starters, but rampant finishers. That is perhaps the best way to describe Delhi FC’s current season. And it has worked out perfectly for them as they sealed a…
Mumbai City FC welcome back Juanma Cruz as goalkeeping coach
Mumbai, 1 June 2023: Mumbai City FC are delighted to announce the appointment of Juan Maria Cruz Arias as the Club’s goalkeeping coach. The Spaniard returns to the Islanders for his…
AIFF Secretary General presents first ticket of Hero Intercontinental Cup to Odisha Chief Minister
NEW DELHI: Federation Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, called on the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik and presented him with the first ticket…
Creating an institutional league will encourage departments to invest in football, says IM Vijayan
NEW DELHI: The Federation’s announcement of an Institutional League, to create more avenues for competition for footballers playing in PSUs, state departments, and police units, has provoked conversation within the community…
Bibiano Fernandes announces 23-member squad for AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023
NEW DELHI: India U-17 Men’s National Team Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, announced a 23-member squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023. The India U-17s…
Mourtada Fall bids farewell to Mumbai City FC
Mumbai, 29 May 2023: Mumbai City FC can confirm that Club captain Mourtada Fall will leave the Club after his contract runs out on May 31. The Senegalese centre-back’s journey with the…
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
MFA Elite Division club KSA to conduct trials for the upcoming season
Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA) – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season KSA had an amazing…