Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Atletico de Kolkata's Canadian striker Ian Hume on Friday targeted scoring a hatful of goals, being excited at the prospect of forming a lethal attacking partnership with the city-based football franchise's marquee player Portugal's Helder Postiga.
"I hope me and Helder can hit the ground running. Last year he got two goals in one game before being injured out for the rest of the tournament. If he can add to that and I can continue in the same vein then it could be a great season for us," Hume, who netted 11 times last season helping ATK reach the semi-finals, told reporters a press meet here.
Along with Hume and Postiga, India centre-back Arnab Mondal and co-owner Sanjiv Goenka were also present at the launch of the official slogan of ATK named "Amar Buke ATK" and its theme song this season, sung by playback singer Papon.
"Last season Helder was not there for much of the season so I was used up front. Now Helder is back and you play wherever you are put by the coach," Hume said, when quizzed about his playing position this season.
Postiga played just 74 minutes last year before being ruled out with a hamstring injury. The Portuguese marksman bagged a brace in ATK's 3-2 win over eventual champions Chennaiyin FC, whom they play in their opening game at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium here on October 2.
Postiga, 34, played for Rio Ave in the second half of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, the country's top division. In 10 games, he scored five goals to help Rio Ave finished sixth in the league. Postiga has netted 27 times in 72 games for Portugal.
"I am thankful for everything you gave me. I hope to play more games and score more goals," he said.
"I played for five months in another club in Portugal. I feel fantastic. I have had a great pre-season. I hope the team will do well and I can contribute," added the footballer, who was part of the Portugal team that was runners-up in the 2004 European Championship.
ATK will play under new coach Spanish World Cupper Jose Francisco Molina, replacing compatriot Jose Antonio Habas, who has become the coach of ATK's rivals FC Pune City.
"Molina is obviously different to Habas and you have to adapt to formations and style of play. Different coaches have their style of play. It's good to have Arnab back with us as he will add steel to our defence. Pre-season has been going on well for a month. Now we got 10 days to work together and progress."
"Its exciting times for the players and the coach. We are going to do everything to entertain, but we have to get results. If we can get results then fine, and if we can do it with a bit of flair and a bit if Spanish football charm it will be a really good season," Hume said.
The aim is to do one better than the last season where they lost to Chennaiyin in the last-four stage. ATK are the champions of the inaugural edition of the ISL in 2014.
"I have the target of entering the final. Last year we were the best team in the league apart from one game. Our target is to get past the semis and not to do what we did last season."
--IANS
dm/sam/bg
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
