ATK Jamshedpur FC ISL 4 2017/2018ISL

ISL 2017-18: ATK’s performances mirror their poor recruitment

Two of the best centre-backs this season in the Indian Super League (ISL), with the exception of Mailson Alves and Juanan, have been Tiri and Henrique Sereno. For reasons best known to them, ATK chose not to recruit them this season.

Probably they had enough of their success and wanted to show how they could exist in the absence of Atletico Madrid. To show that they understand football and in the process made some erroneous signings – Indians and foreigners. There isn’t a single aspect which the reigning champions have got it right.

It’s a classic case of a reckless rich kid throwing away everything he inherited from his parents and in trying to prove himself, lost whatever he had.

Article continues below

The coach has been sacked, two foreign players were asked to leave, new Indian and foreign signings were made midway through the season. An absence of a coherent style of play, players being used in positions which are foreign to them, unfit players and a team full of misfits - problems which have plagued the Kolkata-based franchise.

Jordi Figueras ATK Jamshedpur FC ISL 4 2017/2018

Marquee signing Robbie Keane was watching their game against Jamshedpur FC from the stands. He has spent more time on the sidelines and back home than on the pitch. You have got to question why was he signed in the first place and why cannot he be treated in Kolkata? It only points at poor leadership at the club with the management being afraid to take decisions and making a mockery of themselves.

It also shows the lack of command the coach and the Technical Director had over Keane.

So poor were ATK against Jamshedpur that they were unlucky not to have conceded at least four to five goals. One legitimate goal wasn’t allowed, the woodwork was rattled and a penalty decision was overlooked. The visitors had as many as 26 shots with 18 coming from inside the box. One has to consider the fact that this was Jamshedpur FC, a predominantly defensive team, who were made to look like the kind of attacking outfit FC Goa are.

Westwood

Their full-backs, Ashutosh Mehta and Keegan Pereira, were taken to the cleaners by young Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Bikash Jairu.

Wellington Priori alongside Memo ran the show for Steve Coppell’s side as ATK could only watch their season move further south.

For Ashley Westwood, a celebrated name in Indian football for his success at Bengaluru FC, he suffered back-to-back home defeats for the very first time in India. Never did he lose two consecutive home matches during his three-year stint at the JSW-backed club.

‘Amar Bukrey ATK’ means ‘My heart beats for ATK’. Well, it certainly does but not due to elation but out of feeling sorry.

Advertisement