ATK Mohun Bagan’s most fancied centre back Florentin Pogba landed in Kolkata recently and he immediately joined training the next day where he was greeted by many supporters who were waiting for him to be in action. The experienced defender who has played in the French top tier will strengthen ATK Mohun Bagan’s backline as Juan Ferrando and his men look to clinch the Indian Super League title in the upcoming season.
Florentin Pogba shared his opinions after the first training session at the Mohun Bagan ground as he starts to make life more comfortable in Kolkata ahead of the season. The Guinea International shared how he made a quick decision to come to India after speaking to his agent as he wanted to discover a new country. “It was a very quick decision. I spoke with my agent. and he asked me if I wanted to go to ATK Mohun Bagan, so I said why not? I am a player that likes to discover new countries and new challenges. It all happened very fast and I am very happy to be here and I can’t wait to start,” he shared.
The former Saint Etienne man shared how he has the experience of feature in the Etinne Lyon derby and is accustomed with the atmosphere that he may get to see here at the Kolkata Derby. So speaking about the Kolkata Derby he said, “I know we are going to play the Kolkata derby. It’s a very good game and a very big derby. I can’t wait to play the Kolkata derby. I’ve played in a derby before when I was in St Etienne against Lyon, so I am aware of the kind of atmosphere it will be there. So, I’m very excited to start the derby game.”
Pogba then shared how he wants to be the best defender in the league and help ATKMB win many accolades. He comes well in time for the Durand Cup and AFC Cup knockouts as the Mariners look to win titles. I want to be the best defender in the league, to win the league. I also want to win the AFC Cup. An Indian club has never won that trophy, so that is my first challenge. I will be happy if we cross the first hurdle,” the Guinean shared.
It will be interesting to see how Ferrando lines up his starting Xi as several fan favourites have left the club and have been replaced by new foreigners. So the Spaniard will feel that players like Florentin Pogba and Brendan Hamill will sit right in the backline and help ATK Mohun Bagan win multiple trophies.
