ISL 2017: ATK's Teddy Sheringham - Ashley Westwood not working on the field

Swapnaneel Parasar

ISL 2017: ATK's Teddy Sheringham - Ashley Westwood not working on the field image

ATK manager Teddy Sheringham has revealed that there is no clash in roles between him and the Indian Super League (ISL) outfit's Technical Director Ashley Westwood. It was widely speculated that the former Bengaluru FC manager's presence might result in a clash but Sheringham has clarified that he remains in charge of the on-field affairs. 

"(Ashley) Westwood is not really working on the field," Sheringham said during a media interaction in Kolkata on Sunday. "He is above us actually and working on other things. He had picked the Indian players. Whenever we have problems we approach him."

The former Manchester United striker also stated that his aim was to land the team's third title in four years. 

"We will try to defend the title. Several things have changed. The team has changed other than two or three players. But the pressure (to win) is there," he said. 

ATK GFX

"The club is used to winning things and I have been used to that. We have to finish in the top four first and then go on to win the trophy." 

The 51-year-old also seemed unfazed by the fact that he had to integrate the Indian players with foreigners. "It's great that you have to integrate two different sets of players," he said. "Everyone can learn from each other.

"There are things Indian players do better than the European boys and vice versa and that is great in the long run."

Sheringham also shared his view on ATK's opening game against Kerala Blasters in Kochi in what is expected to be a hostile environment in a rematch of the 2016 ISL final. 

"The crowd at Kerala could be our biggest rivals. I love the fact there will be 60000 screaming fans against us.

We'll be under pressure to do it in a hostile atmosphere. As a footballer, you like that. You want to play against 60000 instead of just 3000," he concluded. 

 

 

Swapnaneel Parasar