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Kolkata promises 'fatafati' football in ISL opener

| | Oct 12, 2014, at 04:33 am
Kolkata, Oct 11 (IBNS) Atletico de Kolkata manager Antonio Lopez Habas is all set to unleash a brand 'fatafati' football in the opening tie of Indian Super League (ISL) against Mumbai City FC at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Sunday.

"We want to play in 'fatafati' style. I want to Kolkata to play in their own style. We want to dish out an entertaining and intelligent soccer that will go well with the catchline of the team," Habas said when asked what would be their style of play with bulk of their players and support staff from Spain.

'Fatafati football' is the tagline of the side and Habas said: :"We are perfectly prepared, but all depend on the 90 minutes in the game. To be prepared is one thing. We have to deliver."

"We have gone well with the people of the city but result is more important. This is a universal game. We have professional players playing all over the world," he told reporters in a pre-match interview.

Asked whether Indian weather would affect them, he said: "The pitch, weather or the opponents should not be any excuse." Habas also said there's an uncertainty over Rakesh Masih who has a stomach problem.

On whether Nicolas Anelka's absence would be an advantage, he said: "It is not going to be a big deal. We have to play to our strengths." Borja Fernandez, who was also present for the meet, added: "What is important is that we play well. One person cannot change the fate of a side. We have ton play well as a team."

The former Real Madrid star also added that he was enjoying his stay in India. "Here the population is huge. But the people love football. I am hoping to do something exciting. It's a beautiful country and I am sure I will enjoy my stay."

(Reporting by Arindam Basu)

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