ATK Mohun Bagan players are upbeat about winning the first-ever Calcutta Derby in the Indian Super League (ISL), which is scheduled to be played at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco on Friday.

“I have been playing in the ISL for the last six years. My goal is to return to the dressing room with three points and our goal intact.

“I don’t know the foreigners who’ll be playing in the Derby for SC East Bengal. But I know Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant Singh, who are both good strikers,” ATK Bagan’s Spanish defender Tiri said.

Tiri’s compatriot, midfielder Edu Garcia, also has the same opinion about SC East Bengal’s overseas recruits. “I have never played against the foreigners who have come to play for SC East Bengal. But I have heard that they are good footballers.

“As we have won our opening game against Kerala Blasters, we are certainly more confident about the Derby.”

Australian Brad Inman, another ATK Bagan midfielder, has an experience that could come in handy for the Tiris and Garcias. He has played under SC East Bengal head coach Robbie Fowler last season at Brisbane Roar.

“Fowler is a great coach. But on Friday he will be my opponent. I want to beat him at any cost and I’m mentally ready for that,” Inman said.