Sports
Depth in squad our key, says ATK winger Doutie
Kolkata, Dec 7: South African winger Sameehg Doutie on Wednesday said Atletico de Kolkata's (ATK) depth in the squad will be crucial against league toppers Mumbai City FC in the semi-final first leg Indian Super League (ISL) football match here on Saturday.
"We have reached the semi-finals not because of any individual but because the team combination was good," Doutie told reporters.
When asked who, according to him, would be better at combining with him among fellow attackers Helder Postiga, Juan Belencoso or Iain Hume, Doutie said that the team's strength allows the coach the freedom to choose whom he deems the most suitable.
"We have depth in the squad which has helped us till here," the fleet-footed winger who has been a vital cog in ATK's wheel so far, said.
ATK, who finished fourth in the points table, played out eight draws in 14 outings to reach the semis.
Doutie though swept aside questions of the city franchise being goal shy.
"We have the opportunity to go to the final. We have now made three semi-finals. The draws are not a concern. The aim was to reach here and we have done that."
"Now we have to think of the knockouts which is a completely different ball game.The people of Kolkata have to support us. We have to believe we can go all the way," he added.
Like coach Jose Molina, Doutie also believes playing at home first does not make any difference.
"It doesn't make a difference whether we are playing home or away first. The first game is always very important. This is the game where we have to give everything, and then you can think of the second leg," Doutie asserted.
The 27-year-old also didn't pay much heed to ATK's normally reliable goalkeeper Debjit Mazumder's uncharacteristic mistake against FC Pune City in their last game, that forced ATK to concede a goal.
Speaking about it, Debjit said "I admit I conceded a silly goal in the last match. But that is football and it's part of the game."
Debjit said ATK's porous backline is not a worry for him and that all the players are leaving no stone unturned to rectify it. He said there is no room for any mistakes in the semis.
"It's time to get serious. We believe in the whole squad. There is nothing to worry in defence. In football you will concede goals. Now it's a different ball game. They (Mumbai) beat us here and we respect that."
Asked if there is any special plan to halt Mumbai's marquee player Diego Forlan, who scored a hat-trick recently, Debjit said, "We have seen his videos. He is a big player and we have to be alert."

23 minutes ago
US: Charlie Kirk shooting triggers debate over enhanced lawmaker security funding

26 minutes ago
Nepal prepares for interim govt as Sushila Karki likely to be sworn in as PM

2 hours ago
Geeta Basra reveals why returning to showbiz after marriage was challenging 15 years ago

2 hours ago
Nia Sharma catches severe cold, calls herself “Ice Baby”

2 hours ago
Why Twinkle Khanna calls Kajol ‘too much’ in a sassy promo for their talk show

2 hours ago
Nushrratt Bharuccha shares an exciting sneak peek from her visit to Universal Studios

2 hours ago
Boney Kapoor misses late wife Sridevi, shares an unseen photo

2 hours ago
Manisha Koirala’s old video endorsing Hindu Rashtra trends amid political turmoil in Nepal

2 hours ago
Nia Sharma wraps up Goa trip in 24 hours: ‘Shortest trip ever’

2 hours ago
Tamannaah Bhatia calls her ‘Do You Wanna Partner’ character, an impulsive hustler

2 hours ago
Great Nicobar Island project will transform region into major maritime hub: PM Modi shares column

2 hours ago
Kerala: Binoy Viswam unanimously re-elected as CPI State Secretary

2 hours ago
SC refuses to entertain Kangana Ranaut's plea challenging summons in a defamation case