ATK's Cavin Lobo - Playing in Kolkata is a different type of challenge

Cavin Lobo is all set to represent ATK in the fifth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) after winning the championship with the Kolkata franchise in 2014.

The attacking midfielder was on loan to ATK (then Atletico de Kolkata) and Kerala Blasters in the first two seasons of the ISL respectively. He suffered a knee patella fracture in 2016, after which he made a come-back with East Bengal in the 2017-18 I-League.

"It's been six years with East Bengal. It's been an honour to play for such a big club. Playing in Kolkata is a different type of a challenge," he told Goal.

"I had a knee patella fracture in 2016 and then last year I had a contract with East Bengal. Kolkata is my second home after Goa. It's been a long time that I'm playing here, with ATK and then East Bengal. The supporters are always passionate," he added.

Not everyone who makes it to a big club in Kolkata has found it easy, as Lobo analysed, "It depends on the coach; how he wants us to play. If we don't get a chance, we can't simply remain disappointed. We have to continue working hard to do what the coach needs. We have to make him feel that we are doing what he wants." 

He feels that to excel in Kolkata, one needs to pursue excellence. 

The 30-year-old, having made his switch to two-time ISL champions ATK for the upcoming season, is optimistic of winning his second title with the club after falling short of the I-League title last season.

ISL

"First of all, I will keep working hard to be in the first team. I would do what the coach requires [from me]. Sadly I didn't win the I-League last year but I will work hard to be a champion once again with ATK. It's a team game and I will do whatever is required of me," he said.

While there have been talks about East Bengal joining ISL this season or the next, Lobo wants The Red and Golds to come into ISL. "It will be very good," he commented. "So many good players will get a chance to play in the ISL and such a big club deserves to be in the ISL. They have good facilities."

It's been a while since Cavin Lobo last donned the Indian national team jersey. Keeping his hopes alive to represent his country again, he stated, "If you play (consistently) at club level, it increases your chance to get a call-up for the national team. It depends on the national team coach as well."