Super Cup qualifier: ATK, Chennai City aim to start afresh

Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions ATK will aim to start afresh when they hit the pitch against Chennai City FC in the final qualifier match of the Super Cup 2018 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

The qualifiers of the tournament will be played between teams who finished between seventh and 10th in the ISL and I-League respectively. The four winners will proceed to the final round of the tournament which kicks-off from March 31.

"Chennai City FC have shown their capability on the field and we have to very cautious. Otherwise, we might have to bow out of the tournament on the first day itself,'' Asstistant coach Bastab Ray mentioned in the pre-match press conference held at the venue today.

Meanwhile, Jayesh Rane stated that the entire team is eager to end the season on a positive note.

"We haven't had an impressive season. We were plagued with injuries. This is going to be another test and we have to make this opportunity count,'' Rane said.

On the other hand, Mohammed Akbar, the newly-appointed head coach of Chennai City FC, also urged his team to make a 'new beginning.'

"It would be wrong to contemplate tomorrow's result from the league's outcome. Everyone will start from scratch and we have the potential to swing the result in our way. It's a new challenge and we're ready for it,'' Akbar stated.

The Chennai-outfit coach added that they have a special plan for everyone, especially ATK skipper Robbie Keane.

"Robbie Keane is a terrific player who can wreak havoc. He might draw two defenders and that might leave open space for others to attack. We have to on our toes all throughout.