Kolkata, Dec 18: Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia Thursday picked Atletico de Kolkata ahead of Kerala Blasters FC as the hot favourites to win the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL) title.
“Final is all about a knock-out match and with the experience, they are the favourites,” Bhutia told reporters about his pick for the Saturday’s summit clash at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
After starting with a bang, the Kolkata franchise slumped and narrowly made the semis as their encounters against FC Goa were goalless and the winner was decided via shootout which ATK won 4-2 to seal a final berth Wednesday.
The former India captain said Antonio Habas was a bit defensive but his strategy worked and they have got the desired results. “Yes they have not played the way they would have liked to but they have got the results. Habas has gone with a team that has given him results. Maybe they have gone a bit defensive and that’s the way he wanted it. Tactically, he’s been quite good.
“Discipline wise the XI he has brought in, they have played with same style and have not gone haywire. He knows what he’s exactly going, Bhutia, who is also part of the star-studded ISL commentary team along side Italian World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero, added.
Kerala Blasters FC on the other hand had surprised themselves, he remarked. “They have not been consistent and had a fairytale story. They had one brilliant game against Chennaiyin FC at home. They themselves are unsure of the results. I’ve spoken to them and nobody believes the way it has gone for them. “You never know, they could have that perfect game. But if you looking at the team I think ATK looks the team to win the title,” Bhutia said.
