Delhi Dynamos squad capable of challenging for the ISL title: Pritam Kotal

The right-back will look forward to bolstering his reputation as India's finest right-back coming into the fourth season of Indian Super League.

At 75 lakhs, Pritam Kotal became the most expensive signing for Delhi Dynamos in the Indian Super League Season 4 Draft. The full-back who has become a mainstay in the Indian National Team defence was Dynamos’s second pick in the draft after goalkeeper Albino Gomes and is now looking forward to a new challenge after impressing in both the I-League as well as the ISL.

“I am excited about moving to Delhi Dynamos. Was a bit nervous initially whether someone will pick me or not but I was delighted that I was the second pick for Dynamos. I am looking forward to this new challenge in a different city,” 23-year old Kotal said.

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A versatile player who can perform both in the defence and the midfield, Kotal is now looking forward to working with head coach Miguel Angel Portugal.   

“We have a good squad, we have young players and this is what the coach also wanted. He wants to work with young players and I am very happy to be a part of the squad. I want to give my best and help the team.”

“The Indian players that have come in are good and are energetic. We have a good young squad and we need to practice hard in the pre-season. We have to work hard both on and off the field,” Kotal added.

“Don’t think there is any pressure on me. I will give my best both on and off the field.”

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An ISL winner in 2016, Kotal has previously plied his trade with the likes of FC Pune City and Atletico de Kolkata and was part of the I-League winning side with Mohun Bagan back in 2014-15. The right back who has also won the SAFF Championship with the Indian National Team is now looking forward to a new challenge in the National Capital.

“Looking forward to playing in Delhi. Last 4-5 years I have spent in Kolkata with Mohun Bagan. This is a new season and I am out of Kolkata now. Looking forward to the new challenge now. It is a challenge for me to see how I do outside of Kolkata.”

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The 23-year old has impressed with his performances as a full-back with both the National Team and in club football and is now excited about the prospect of playing alongside his new teammates.  

“Romeo (Fernandes) is a great player and I am hoping together we can form a good partnership. We have a good defence. Albino won the I-League and Sena Ralte is a strong player as well. We look really strong in defence with the Indian players that we have,” he concluded.