I hope I will be able to help ATK Mohun Bagan with my experience: Joni Kauko

Xtra Time Web Desk: ATK Mohun Bagan’s Finnish midfielder Joni Kauko on Monday said his experience in international football will benefit the Mariners as they kickstart their season with the AFC Cup matches. Kauko, who played for Finland in the EURO 2020, has been the biggest signing in the transfer season. The 31 year old midfielder has been training under Coach Antonio Habas in Kolkata ahead of leaving for Maldives for the AFC Cup matches. The Finnish midfielder in an interview to ATK Mohun Bagan media team spoke about the current squad, how he is coping up in a new environment, his decision to play in India, first impression about Indian football, coach Antonio Lopez Habas and lot more. Here are the excerpts:  

Q: You’ve already trained with the ATK Mohun Bagan team for a week. How strong do you think this squad is?

Kauko: I haven’t seen any of the other teams but I believe we have a very strong squad. Good mix of different types of players who can bring a lot of quality on the pitch.

Q:  Are you worried about the hot and humid conditions of India and Maldives where you are going to play in the AFC Cup?

Kauko: After the first training I was very much worried because it was too much for a northern guy who is used to snow and cold. But now in the second week, I feel much better, it will take some time to adapt but day by day it’s getting better.

Q: How did you take the decision to play for ATK Mohun Bagan?

Kauko: I had many options but I wanted something different at this moment in my career so, in the end, ATKMB was an easy decision and also the road I wanted to try.

Q: Kauko, just after playing Euro cup with Finland, how much time do you think you require to adjust with the style of your team ATK Mohun Bagan to play in the AFC Cup?

Kauko: I think I am able to adapt very well to different styles and leagues so I hope it won’t take that long.

Q:  Have you watched ISL matches of ATK Mohun Bagan and other teams? What is your assessment of that?

Kauko: I watched last year’s final. It was pretty intense with a lot of things happening.

Q:  What is your first impression about India and Indian football? Did you have any idea of Indian football before coming to India?

Kauko: I have never been to India before, and that’s one reason why I’m here now. I had no idea where I’m going but I’m really happy to see that everyone is taking me well here.

Q:  What’s your take on coach Habas? Does your style of football match his concepts and ideas?

Kauko: We have been training hard for a while now, which is a good thing and I hope I will adapt well to his playing style. I can see his passion for football and that’s always a thing that I respect.

Q:  How will the experience of playing in top European competitions like the Euros help him tackle the challenge of the AFC Cup?

Kauko: Of course, when you play in big tournaments at high level, it will help you to bring along some of that experience and I hope I am able to help the whole group with the experience that I have.

Q:  Which position in the starting line-up will be most preferable for you in this squad?

Kauko: Depends which system we are playing but I hope I will have a big impact on attacking wise as a box-to-box midfielder. It’s pretty rare to have a midfielder who can score a lot of goals and I hope I will be able to do that here also like I have done the past 3 years in Denmark.

Q: What was your mental situation while witnessing the heart attack of Cristian Erikson on the field?

Kauko: Not good. A lot of things were going on in my head. I’m glad he is feeling better now.

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By: XtraTime
Title: I hope I will be able to help ATK Mohun Bagan with my experience: Joni Kauko
Sourced From: xtratime.in/i-hope-i-will-be-able-to-help-atk-mohun-bagan-with-my-experience-joni-kauko/
Published Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2021 10:36:27 +0000

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