ISL 2017: 5 reasons why we'll see a different ATK this season
The 2017-18 Indian Super League season started on 17th November with a blockbuster opening day fixture between ATK and Kerala Blasters and unlike what is being said about the game being a repeat of last season's final, it will be anything but.
We have already seen Kerala Blasters ring in the changes this season and ATK are also set to follow suit as the new season kicks off with their eyes set on a hat-trick of titles. On that note, let's take a look at why ATK will be a different unit this season but their focus will still be on the trophy come the end of the season.
Here are five reasons why we will see a different ATK next season.
#1 Change in philosophy
While the last three ISL seasons saw ATK play as Atletico de Kolkata, inheriting the name and colours of parent club and Spanish giants Atletico de Madrid, this time out, there will hardly be any trace of the Spanish philosophy that was so prevalent at the club in the past ISL campaigns.
Spanish coaches led the team and both Antonio Habas and Jose Molina landed the ISL title in their first seasons at the club, with the help of big Spanish influences on the pitch like Luis Garcia, Josemi, Jofre, Borja, Javi Lara and Tiri. This season, however, ATK have gone with a distinctly British flavour when it comes to recruitment of personnel, as exemplified by Teddy Sheringham and Ashley Westwood at the helm of the first team and Robbie Keane, the Irish legend, being roped in as a marquee acquisition.
The winds of change at ATK are pretty obvious; whether it leads to a title remains to be seen.