KBFC head coach Meulensteen felt delightful after their pre-season campaign in Spain and India. “I am very pleased with our pre-season. Our fitness levels have increased. But we are not there yet. Everybody is fit and ready.”

Kerala Blasters played five matches in Spain, winning twice and losing just once against Marbella FC. Meanwhile, in their only pre-season fixture in India, Gokulam FC held KBFC in a goalless draw.

Ahead of their opening game against ATK, Meulensteen said: “The key is for the players to play the game. We need to focus on the match. I have been very impressed with the commitment of the players and their willingness to adapt.”

“The likes of Wes Brown and Berbatov were very motivated to play in India. They know what’s it like to play in a top professional environment. They’ll be the ones who’ll bring that extra flair to our game,” Rene added.

Tomorrow’s opening game will surely bring out the nostalgic feeling, especially for the Manchester United fans in the country who will be seeing the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Wes Brown, Teddy Sheringham, and Rene Meulensteen on the pitch and as well as on the sidelines.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for Teddy Sheringham to coach in India. I hope he congratulates me after the match tomorrow,” Rene concluded.

ATK head coach Teddy Sheringham surely doesn’t want Berbatov in his top-form tomorrow when his side will face KBFC, Teddy stated: “I know a lot about Berbatov. He’s a wonderful player. But I do not want to enjoy watching him tomorrow.”

But the former Manchester United striker has made it clear that they have come to Kochi for all three points. “We have come to Kochi to win the game. It’s a fantastic fixture to be a part of. It’s mouthwatering to come here and play in front of these fans. Of course, they won’t be supporting us. But it’s exciting regardless.”

When asked about India’s lanky striker Robin Singh, Teddy said: “Robin a big strong boy and I am happy to have him in my squad.”

ATK will be surely missing their star striker Robbie Keane who is sidelined with an injury. “Robbie Keane has been a great leader for us in the pre-season. He’s a fantastic ambassador for ATK. His injury is very unfortunate.”

KBFC vs ATK will kick-off at 08:00 pm IST tomorrow and will be telecast on Star Sports.

The post “I do not want to enjoy watching him tomorrow,” Sheringham on Berbatov appeared first on Football Counter.

Keane, who has been a prolific scorer playing for the Republic of Ireland with 146 International appearances scoring 68 goals will be strengthening the new look ATK side. Keane has been Ireland’s top scorer at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and also represented his country at UEFA Euro 2012 followed by Euro 2016.

Robbie Keane has been one of the legends of English Premier League football, leaving his legacy with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Major League Soccer team Los Angeles Galaxy. A talented, quick, and agile player, Keane is a versatile forward, capable of playing anywhere along the front line always searching to net those memorable goals.

“As a football fan I am eagerly looking forward to some Irish magic touch on the field when Robbie plays his first game in our colours. His envious record as a centre forward while playing for his country Ireland, English Premier League Clubs or Major League Soccer teams is known to all football fans. I am sure it will be a great association and a learning curve for our entire team ATK.”

–           Mr. Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, Principal Owner, ATK

“I feel extremely fortunate to have played for some of the best clubs in England and the USA, as well as representing my country at several major tournaments. At this stage of my career, the offer to experience a new league and culture in Asia appealed to me. To join the current Indian Super League champions is a great pleasure and through hardwork I hope to bring the ATK fans more success and enjoyment over the course of the 2017/2018 season.

–          Robbie Keane, ATK

“His enthralling skills with the ball and willingness to take on the opposition without inhibition is an asset for any team. I am sure ATK’s striking abilities will be bolstered with Robbie in the side. I am sure the young Indian players we have selected from the domestic draft will learn from him about the way he goes about preparing for a major tournament like ISL.”

–          Teddy Sheringham, Head Coach, ATK

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