Very pleased with the Indian contingent of players: Atletico de Kolkata manager Jose Molina

The Spaniard is looking to emerge from the shadow of his predecessor Antonio Habas...

Atletico De Kolkata’s new Spanish coach Jose Molina addressed the media ahead of the team’s ISL 3 opener against champions Chennaiyin FC at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata tomorrow. Speaking about the team’s pre-season and practice session ahead of the match against Chennaiyin, the gaffer said, “I am really excited. We had a very good pre-season in Spain. I am really happy with the current crop of footballers and feel quite confident about tomorrow. First match against the defending champions is difficult but I have complete faith in my players. We are ready for Chennai and will try our best to win the game.” Molina who has been battling with former coach Antonio Lopez Habas’ shadows commented on his compatriot saying, “Antonio Habas is a great coach. I have a lot of respect for him. But right now he is the Head Coach of another team and therefore doesn’t have much of an impact on the current set of ATK players. As I said, we had a very good pre-season and look forward to the fixture against Habas’ FC Pune City.” Molina has been looking forward to the clash against Chennaiyin, but he has been showing immense respect for his opposition as he was quoted as saying, “Chennai has a really strong team. Yes, it’s true that they have lost a few key players like Elano and Mendoza from the last season, but they have also signed a few good ones as well. They also have the same coach which is very important. It is going be a challenge for us to come out on top tomorrow. We will try to do our best to win the match.” Molina also looked very pleased and happy with his Indian contingent of players and said they are always eager to learn which he marked as a good sign. Before signing off the Spaniard added, “I prefer my team to be aggressive in its nature. I love aggressive football. Keeping possession is extremely important for me. I want my footballers to go forward and score goals. But I feel defense is also equally important. At the end of the day you have showcase a good display of football.”