Football

Finland international Joni Kauko eager to represent ATK Mohun Bagan at the AFC Cup

 

Last season’s Indian Super League runners up ATK Mohun Bagan have started preparing for the AFC Cup. They are clubbed with Maziya Sports and Recreation, Bashundhara Kings in Group D and the winner of the AFC Playoffs where Bengaluru FC will face Club Eagles will fill in the last slot.

The Mariners have already welcomed some of their foreigners as the likes of Roy Krishna, Hugo Boumous and Joni Kauko have been training with the Indian players.

Prior to the tournament, the Finland international spoke to the media and answered their questions. Kauko revealed how he decided to join ISL outfit ATK Mohun Bagan, he said, “I had many options but I wanted something different at this moment in my career. In the end, joining ATK Mohun Bagan was an easy decision and also a road that I wanted to try.”

The combative midfielder who represented Finland at the Euros 2020 was quizzed how he will adapt to the hot and humid conditions and the different gameplay in India. Kauko confidently replied,” “I think I am able to adapt very well to different styles and leagues. Hence, I hope it won’t take that long.”

He revealed how he had a lot of trouble adjusting to hot conditions in the first week but now things have taken an easier turn for him in the second week. “After the first training I was very much worried because it was too much for a northern guy who is used to snow and cold,” the Finnish international admitted. “But now, in the second week, I feel much better. It will take some time to adapt but day by day it’s getting better.”

The 31-year-old midfielder has plied his trade in different leagues in Finland, Germany and Denmark. Therefore when asked about Indian football he said, “I have never been to India before, and that’s one reason why I’m here now. I had no idea where I’m going but I’m really happy to see that everyone is taking me well here.”

Kauko has featured in several positions in midfield therefore he was asked about his favourable role in the middle of the park. The Finnish midfielder however said that he will be a very potent threat in attack and will be looking to score goals from midfield.

“Depends which system we are playing but I hope I will have a big impact on attacking wise as a box-to-box midfielder. It’s pretty rare to have a midfielder who can score a lot of goals and I hope I will be able to do that here also like I have done the past three years in Denmark,” he concluded.

 

 

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the… Read More

December 20, 2024

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal ruled out for rest of the season due to knee injury

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal has been ruled out of the rest of the… Read More

December 20, 2024

Christopher Clarey sheds lights on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance, says Serb has always tapped into smart, high-level tennis players

Renowned Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey has shed light on Novak Djokovic appointing Andy Murray as… Read More

December 20, 2024

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim has no regrets after dropping Marcus Rashford

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he has no regrets after dropping Marcus… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sanju Samson reveals how Gautam Gambhir gave him clarity and confidence

India’s wicket-keeper bat Sanju Samson has revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir has played an instrumental… Read More

December 20, 2024