ATK Mohun Bagan have a strong squad, believes Joni Kauko

The midfielder signed for the Mariners after featuring for Finland in UEFA Euro 2020.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit ATK Mohun Bagan are busy in preparations for the forthcoming AFC Cup 2021, which will take place in Maldives later this month. The Mariners are slotted alongside Maziya S&RC and Bashundhara Kings of Group D, with either of Bengaluru FC or Club Eagles set to join them following their play-off clash on August 15. Almost the whole of ATKMB's squad, including new signing Joni Kauko and Hugo Boumous, is currently training at Kolkata and will travel to Maldives on August 14.

Prior to the competition, Joni Kauko spoke to the media and answered many questions following his move from Finland. In June, he was a part of Finnish national team that featured in the UEFA Euro 2020. He was also present at the game where Denmark star Christian Eriksen collapsed - and understandably, the first question was about the unforgettable incident.

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What was your mental situation while witnessing the condition of Christian Eriksen on the field that evening?

"Not good. A lot of things were going on in my head. I’m glad he is feeling better now," the midfielder answered.

How did you take the decision to play for ATK Mohun Bagan? 

"I had many options but I wanted something different at this moment in my career. In the end, joining ATK Mohun Bagan was an easy decision and also a road that I wanted to try."

Just after featuring in the UEFA Euro 2020 with Finland, how much time do you think you require - so as to adjust with the style of your team ATK Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup?

"I think I am able to adapt very well to different styles and leagues. Hence, I hope it won’t take that long," Joni Kauko replied.

Are you worried about the hot and humid conditions of India and Maldives where you are going to play in the AFC Cup?

"After the first training I was very much worried because it was too much for a northern guy who is used to snow and cold," the Finnish international admitted. "But now, in the second week, I feel much better. It will take some time to adapt but day by day it’s getting better."

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Have you watched ISL matches of ATK Mohun Bagan and other teams? What is your assessment of the league?

"I watched last year’s final. It was pretty intense with a lot of things happening."

What is your first impression about India and Indian football? Did you have any idea of Indian football before coming to India?

"I have never been to India before, and that’s one reason why I’m here now. I had no idea where I’m going but I’m really happy to see that everyone is taking me well here."

What's your take on coach Antonio Habas? Does your style of football match his concepts and ideas? 

"We have been training hard for a while now, which is a good thing. I hope I will adapt well to his playing style. I can see his passion for football and that’s always a thing that I respect," Joni Kauko answered.

You’ve already trained with the ATK Mohun Bagan team for a week. How strong do you think this squad is?

"I haven’t seen any of the other teams but I believe we have a very strong squad. There's a good mix of different types of players who can bring a lot of quality on the pitch."

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How will the experience of playing in top European competitions like the Euros help him tackle the challenge of the AFC Cup?

"Of course, when you play in big tournaments at high level, it will help you to bring along some of that experience. I hope I am able to help the whole group with the experience that I have."

Which position in the starting line-up will be most preferable for you in this squad? 

"Depends which system we are playing but I hope I will have a big impact on attacking wise as a box-to-box midfielder. It’s pretty rare to have a midfielder who can score a lot of goals and I hope I will be able to do that here also like I have done the past three years in Denmark," the player concluded.

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