Baljit Sahni Post ISL Final Interview
Interview ~ IndianSuperLeague.com 2014/12/20
Baljit Sahni has been a crucial member of Atlético de Kolkata’s historic run to
becoming the first champions of the Hero Indian Super League. The Punjab-born
striker chipped in with two goals, and deputised as a wingback on occasion when
Kolkata’s defence was hit by injuries. The 27-year-old was visibly thrilled at
having helped his side win the inaugural edition of the ISL, and had plenty of
words of praise for Mohammed Rafique, the man whose late winner over Kerala
Blasters won the final for Kolkata.
Baljit Sahni: It feels amazing! It was the first ISL, as you said, so to have won it is
an amazing feeling.
Sahni credited head coach Antonio López Habas after the Spanish gaffer
masterminded Kolkata’s historic success, though Sahni revealed that Kolkata’s counterattacking style in the final was more a reaction to Kerala’s in-game dominance rather than a predetermined strategy.
Baljit Sahni: That wasn’t planned as such. It depends on the game situation, and on the coach. Whatever he tells us, we do that on the field. We did that, and we won!
The striker agreed that the victory was all the more special for the way it was earned, with Rafique’s stoppage-time goal winning Kolkata the title.
Baljit Sahni: It was a great goal in the dying minutes. We’re feeling great that we scored in the last minute and that won the final for us.
Sahni was full of praise for match-winner Rafique, whose second-half cameo was only his second appearance in the entire tournament.
Baljit Sahni: I wish him all the best! Congratulations to him. He came late in the second half and scored a crucial goal for us. I’m really glad, and thankful to him!
Indian international Sahni was looking forward to celebrating his side’s triumph with his teammates, saying:
Baljit Sahni: We’ll go back to the team hotel and enjoy!
Link: http://www.indiansuperleague.com/atletico-de-kolkata/news/1877-sahni-thanks-title-winner-rafique
