Coach Habas helped us believe in ourselves, says Mohun Bagan forward Dimitri Petratos

Dimitri Petratos also spoke highly of the Mohun Bagan fans.

The City of Joy, Kolkata gears up to host the 10th final of the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday, May 4, 2024. This season’s ultimate showdown will witness a high-flying Mohun Bagan lock horns against Mumbai City FC.

While Bagan eliminated Odisha FC to secure a berth in the ISL final, Mumbai knocked out FC Goa out to book their tickets to Kolkata. Ahead of the game, Mohun Bagan’s Australian attacking maestro Dimitri Petratos addressed the media and shared his thoughts.

Time in Kolkata

The player opened up about his time in Kolkata and described the city as ‘beautiful’ and said that he is enjoying himself over there.

“I’ve enjoyed my time in India. Kolkata is beautiful. Me going out and playing with kids is something that comes naturally for me. I go out there and enjoy and inspire the young players to play on the pitch and sometimes go there in the stadium. I enjoy myself,” he asserted.

Role in the team

When asked about his role in the team, the Aussie said that the head coach has given him a license to play with freedom and express himself.

“The coach has given me a lot of belief to express myself and play with freedom. I have my duties on the pitch, but I just want to go out there to enjoy. All I can say is that I’ll give my best out there. We have a team where many players have contributed goals throughout the season. We’re looking forward to the game,” he mentioned.

Thoughts on playing under Antonio Lopez Habas

The forward from down under also shared his thoughts on playing under Antonio Lopez Habas and said, “There is respect for both coaches, of past and present. But coach Habas has helped us believe in ourselves and fight for the team.”

Playing alongside Joni Kauko

Dimitri Petratos also spoke about how it has been playing alongside Joni Kauko. He said that Kauko is an amazing player and has many qualities.

“Look, Joni is an amazing player and has been in the ISL before. He has many qualities of course, but it’s good playing with him. We are working together for one goal,” he asserted.

Fan Support

Petratos also shared his views on the support that the team gets from the fans and said that Mohun Bagan fans have created the best atmosphere that he has ever played in.

“We get a lot of energy from the fans. 60+ thousands have turned up for the last 3-4 games. That is amazing and we are always charged up to play at home. This is the best atmosphere I’ve played in my career. Sometimes we can’t hear each other on the field, but that’s good,” he said.

Playing for Mohun Bagan

Sharing his thoughts on donning the colours of Mohun Bagan, the 31-year-old said, “Yes, Mohun Bagan is one of the best teams I’ve played in my career. The atmosphere for games is amazing. The fans give us so much energy and we want to deliver our best performances to reward them for the next games.”

Tifo from the fans

The player also reacted to a tifo that was presented by the fans for him and said that it was really nice and he will give his best for the team.

“The tifo for me was something nice. But the only thing I can do is go out there and do my best. Mistakes happen, they’re part of the game, but good things happen too, and I just want to do my best,” he concluded.

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