Atletico de Kolkata is a professional football franchise under the Indian Super League based in the city of Joy, Kolkata. Established on 7 May 2014, ATK was the first ever Indian Super League team. The Sportsrush takes a look at the players to watch out for in Atletico de Kolkata for in this year’s edition.
About Atletico de Kolkata
The team is owned by a consortium including ex-Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, Spanish La Liga giants Athletico Madrid and acclaimed businessmen Harshavardhan Neotia and Sanjiv Goenka. Atletico won the inaugural tournament and went through to the semifinals in the next season.
The Kolkatan unit draws inspiration from its Spanish partner not just in spirit but also in its team’s name and colours(red and white). Currently managed by Spaniard Jose Francisco Mollina, the team plays their home matches at the popular Salt Lake Stadium.
In the upcoming third season of the ISL, Spaniard Helder Postiga serves as their marquee player. Also a new change is the signing of new coach Jose Fransisco Molina in place of his counterpart Antonio Lopez Habas.
Helder Postiga
Atletico drafted in Spaniard Helder Postiga to the squad last year with huge expectations. However, things went haywire as he met with and injury which curtailed his stint to a mere 72 minutes. This year though, promises to be entirely different and Kolkata hopes that they can make the most out of his immense experience.
The Portuguese forward made an impact in his very first match of the ISL. Scoring twice against Chennayin FC, he ensured a 3-2 victory for Athletico. After returning to fitness, Postiga joined home team Rio Ave in the top tier Portuguese league. He made a notable contribution by scoring 5 goals and helping them qualify for the Europa League.
Postiga will also act as an ideal foil for workhorse Iain Hume and both can act as a great combination upfront. This will give Atletico the much needed boost which they desperately longed for last season.
One of the greatest Portuguese players to grace the field, he was instrumental in helping his nation reach the Euro 2004 final. He also represented his country in 2 World Cups and 3 European Championships. In his illustrious club career, he amassed 8 titles playing for clubs like FC Porto, Deportivo and Valencia.
