ISL: ATK, NEUFC fight to avoid finishing last

Kolkata, March 3: It has been a disappointing season for ATK in the Hero Indian Super League in more ways than one. The former two-time champions not only failed to make it to the playoffs, they now find themselves battling to avoid a last-place finish against NorthEast United FC in the final league game of the season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, on Sunday (March 4).

Points table

ATK have 13 points in their kitty but will finish below NorthEast United (11 points) at the bottom if they lose their concluding league clash.

Much was expected of ATK at the start of the season. ATK struggled from the start, though, and despite a change of coach midway through, finding wins has proved to be a tough ask. ATK have won only three games this season and have suffered defeat in their last three games in the ISL.

Good vibes at practice today!

View more images here 👉https://t.co/7g3lVOkiVl #AamarBukeyATK #KOLNEU #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/JAfbi7UIX1

— ATK (@WorldATK) March 3, 2018

Their 5-1 drubbing at the hands of FC Goa proved too much for interim coach Ashley Westwood, who decided to step aside from his responsibilities of head coach. Robbie Keane has now stepped in as player-manager for the final game against NorthEast United.

Speaking ahead of the match, the former Tottenham striker said that even though he was only informed about his new responsibility at the club on Friday (March 2), he is still well prepared for the challenge at hand.

"I got a phone call yesterday and said in the circumstances can you take the responsibility. I was, of course, happy about it. We've prepared these last few days to our best ability and we're looking forward to tomorrow's game," he said.

Robbie Keane will be the Player Manager for tomorrow's game. #AamarBukeyATK

— ATK (@WorldATK) March 3, 2018

"I'm very relaxed and confident in this position. I have to organise a few things with the coaching staff in the last couple of days. I've been captain of various clubs. I was the national captain for many years. So I have almost always had that responsibility," said Keane, who missed a number of games this season due to injury.

Keane also said that despite having failed to make an impression, he and his team will give their best in the game on Sunday to finish the season on a winning note.

"I'm focussed on the game as player-manager and the players have also responded well to me. My responsibility is to organize the team for this game, and honestly, all I'm concentrating on is that," he said.

Our final league match this season is up against @WorldATK . Avram Grant and his boys are looking to end the season on a high. #8States1United #NEUFC #Highlanders pic.twitter.com/WElBbtGpFc

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) March 3, 2018

Ahead of the clash, ATK can take some heart from the fact that NEUFC have been in terrible form themselves. Avram Grant's men have lost five back-to-back games, although the coach believes the results have not matched his team's performance.

"We have to give our best no matter what the circumstances. We have played well in some of the games but we have failed to pick up the right results. I think when you are losing with one goal in games we are playing well, we need to check ourselves," Grant said.

Match starts at 8:00 pm IST

Live on Star Sports 2

Streamed live on Hotstar

Source: ISL Media