Newly-crowned ISL Champions ATK Mohun Bagan FC take on hosts Gokulam Kerala FC in the Group C opener of the Super Cup at the EMS Corporation Stadium, here on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Juan Ferrando-coached ATK Mohun Bagan edged Bengaluru FC on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw in the ISL final in Goa last month. After a three-week break, the Mariners will be back in action, aiming to become the first side to do an ISL-Super Cup double.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"There's no shortage of motivation in the camp. The players are ready for the Super Cup," ATK Mohun Bagan assistant coach Bastab Roy was quoted as saying by AIFF.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The Super Cup has a different format than the ISL. One bad day here, and you go back home. So, we're taking things match by match," he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Two-time I-League champions Gokulam Kerala FC's bid for a hat-trick of titles did not take flight this season as they couldn't keep up with RoundGlass Punjab and Sreenidi Deccan in the title race.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gokulam finished the league in fourth place and were matched with Mohammedan Sporting in the Super Cup Qualifiers, where they were too strong for the Kolkata side, brushing them aside 5-2.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Regarding the Malabarians, Roy said, "Gokulam are a good side. Playing on home soil will be advantageous for them because everybody knows how passionate the supporters are here in Kerala."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala head coach Francesc Bonet, of course, is banking on home support to try and upset the ISL champions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We take the Super Cup as a great opportunity to show that we can compete against ISL sides. The other teams may not know too much about us, which could go in our favour. I hope our fans will come and cheer us on," Bonet said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Spaniard knows that his side has their task cut out against ATK Mohun Bagan but sounded confident ahead of the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We believe we can win every match. They are a champion side, but we will have our chances and will go for the three points," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Spaniard knows that his side has their task cut out against ATK Mohun Bagan but sounded confident ahead of the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n