Calcutta: Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) will be without central defender Josemi in their Indian Super League (ISL) II opener against Chennaiyin FC in Chennai on Saturday.
Josemi, who played a key role in the central defence alongside Arnab Mondal in their title-winning campaign in the inaugural edition, sustained a knee injury and the team management didn't want to take a risk.
Arnab, however, didn't wish to read much into Josemi's absence. "Josemi's unavailability will be a factor... He is someone who can lead from the sidelines too... But others are there as well. It's about teamwork," he said on the eve of ATK's departure to Chennai.
"First match is always tough. More so for us since we are the defending champions... But Chennaiyin FC will also have to deal with pressure because they will be playing in front of the home crowd," he said.
"We would be happy if we get a point, though, against Chennaiyin FC."
Having returned from a gruelling pre-season training camp in Spain, the defending champions have struggled for practice grounds with their home venue Salt Lake Stadium not ready before October 8. On Thursday, ATK trained at the artificial turf of the Barasat Stadium, while previously they made use of the Mohun Bagan ground.
"Indeed, it has hampered our practice but we are positive about doing well in Chennai. It would have been better if we did get to practise at Salt Lake Stadium, but the Mohun Bagan turf is also in good condition," Arnab said.
"We've had a good pre season in Spain. The team is shaping up well and 70 per cent of the preparations have been done... But once we play a competitive match we, will know where we stand." Arnab will be missing ATK's matches against FC Goa on October 7 and Kerala Blasters on October 13 - their first home tie this season - because of national commitments. He, however, believes switching from playing for club/franchise to turning out for India won't be a problem.
"Playing for India is about pride. Everyone has to deal with these things. I don't think this will make any big difference to the national team combination because two or three days of practice with the side should be sufficient."
Meanwhile, Birla Tyres will be the principal sponsors of ATK for two seasons.
THE SQUAD
Helder Postiga, Iain Hume, Borja Fernandez, Ofentse Nato, Javi Lara, Jaime Gavilan Martinez, Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo, Sameehg Doutie, Juan Calatayud, Valmiro Lopes Rocha, Sushil Kumar Singh, Syed Rahim Nabi, Clifford Miranda, Denzil Franco, N. Mohanraj, Baljit Singh, Arnab Mondal, Arata Izumi, Rino Anto, Amrinder Singh, Augustin Fernandes.
