ISL 2018-19: "We are thinking of making it to the playoffs," says ATK's Edu Garcia after his heroics against Jamshedpur FC

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Edu Garcia in action for ATK against Jamshedpur FC [Image: ISL]

ATK finally tasted victory for the first time ever against Jamshedpur FC by a 2-1 margin at the majestic Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday evening. Manuel Lanzarote scored twice from an equal number of free-kicks to guide the team to an important win which keeps their playoff hopes alive. Although, the partnership between Lanzarote and ATK’s new recruit Edu Garcia was the main talking point of the match.

On both the occasions, it was Edu Garcia who was fouled at the edge of the box by Dhanachandra Singh. Lanzarote produced two clinical finishes to grab all three points on offer. The understanding between both the playmakers was very effective in the context of the win. Garcia was roped only in the January transfer window and his impact was instant.

This win takes ATK’s points tally to 20 points from 14 matches, but there’s still a lot of work for them to do. “Today was a very important match, we needed these three points, now we are very happy and we are confident before we are going to Pune,” said Edu Garcia after the Sunday’s match.

When asked whether his partnership with Manuel Lanzarote has been a turning point in the season, he said: “I don’t know, we played together in Spain, so I know him, he knows me. I think we can help the team to reach the goals. We have a very good team with good Indian players, some foreign players. Altogether, we are able to win." 

With four matches still left to play, the Kolkata based team needs to win at least three to ensure that they qualify for the knockout stages. The Spanish footballer informed that they are taking one step at a time. The unit is very focused on their game right now and is thinking of a possible playoff berth.

Regarding the matter, Garcia said: “I am here to help the team, I give my best in the pitch, so we will see if we can get in the playoffs. We are very focused right now; we are thinking of making it to the playoffs. We have to go day by day. Each game is like a final for us, we need the points. Today was a very important game, for continuing the fight. So, we will keep continuing to fight.”

Steve Coppell’s boys will play away to FC Pune City in their next fixture on February 10, following which they travel to Goa for a face-off against the Gaurs at their own den. The last two fixtures are at home against Mumbai City FC and Delhi Dynamos FC.

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