ATK Mohun Bagan have compiled an interesting squad for the upcoming season where they will face some stern opponents in the AFC Cup knockout stages and also in the Indian Super League. With most teams looking to build a strong unit in order to improve, the Mariners have also added some new arrows to their quiver. While some of the familiar faces have left the club, some new personnel have made their way in.
The Green and Maroons have signed Australian versatile forward Dimitrios Petratos as the second Asian signing as he will join compatriot and defender Brendan Hamill. It is very interesting how head coach Juan Ferrando is finally getting the team in place exactly according to his demands. The change in philosophy is clear as ATK Mohun Bagan have allowed both their star forward Roy Krishna and David Williams to leave the club. AMong the foreigners from previous season the trio of Hugo Boumous, Joni Kauko and Carl McHugh keeps their place while some Indian players are also on their way out.
Before stepping foot on Indian shores, Petratos gave an interview to one of the club’s partners, Pari Match news. There he shared how he has played in different league all across Asia and will look to use that experience here in India. He was delighted to join the club as he shared, “Having signed for the biggest club in India, I have huge expectations for the new season and at the same time, I am very excited. I know this club is all about winning trophies, and I am going to do my best to help the team achieve success in all the competitions that we play.”
The 29-year-old has featured in top tier clubes in countries like South Korea, Australia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. So he will bring in a lot of experience and hopefully he will be able to help the young Indian stars. When asked why he decided to join the Kolkata based outfit, he pointed out the lofty ambitions of the club. “ATK Mohun Bagan’s future ambitions and goals were a big reason behind my motivation to join the club. Indeed, I have had the pleasure of playing at some of the best leagues in Asia, the experience everywhere has been different, and all the experiences have helped me grow as a player.”
Lastly the fans are confused as they have not seen a proper foreign striker, someone like a Krishna or a Williams signed in this window. Instead players like Hamill and Florentin Pogba have joined the club to fortify the backline. Whereas Petratos gives them that versatility as he can play in multiple positions an can score and also create. He is the ideal ‘False 9’ for Juan Ferrando. So sharing more on his style of play, the Australian shared how he likes to pile up the goals and would like to maintain the attacking momentum in the game.
“I like to score goals obviously but more importantly I am always looking to help the team maintain the attacking momentum in all possible scenarios and create scoring opportunities. A lot depends on how the coach plans the strategy. I have the experience of playing as a striker, an attacking midfielder or a winger. Hopefully, I will be able to get going, score goals… fingers crossed, the fans will hopefully enjoy my game.”
