Panaji
FC Goa's goalkeeper, Laxmikant Kattimani, shared his thoughts on the Indian Super League (ISL) and his own development as a player ahead of an important match against NorthEast United FC.
Reflecting on the growth of the ISL over the last decade, Kattimani noted, “In the beginning, the league lasted only three months, but now it's almost a full season. The development is clear, and it continues to improve year by year. I believe it will keep getting better in the future.”
As a seasoned goalkeeper, Kattimani emphasized the importance of experience in his preparation. “Goalkeepers always improve with time. With every passing year, I learn from my experiences and try to do my best. I’ve become more mature and confident in my role,” he said.
When asked about handling pressure, Kattimani acknowledged that experience plays a vital role. “As you grow, you learn from past situations. You start to recognize patterns and understand where the ball is likely to come from,” he explained. He also talked about the challenges of injuries, stating, “Being out for a year was tough, but I focused on coming back stronger and rebuilding my confidence.”
Kattimani expressed his commitment to competing for his position. “I will always fight for my place, whether I’m the first or second keeper. Performance in training is key to earning opportunities,” he said.
Having returned to FC Goa, Kattimani now finds himself as one of the senior players in the team. He shared his views on the current squad’s mentality, saying, “I joined this year, but the team was already set up last season. I see them learning and growing, and I aim to help them while also learning from them.”
With a long journey behind him, Kattimani reflected on the importance of teamwork in defense. He noted, “Defending is not just about a back line; it’s a team effort. Sometimes, the defense may seem shaky, but we need to work together to minimize the chances we allow the opposition.”
Coach Manolo on Kattimani
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez spoke about goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani ahead of an important match. “This is my fifth season here, and I’ve been lucky to spend three wonderful seasons with him,” Marquez said.
Reflecting on Kattimani’s journey, he noted that in his first season, Kattimani wasn’t the first choice, as Subrata was preferred. “But he deserved to be in the team after six or seven games,” Marquez added. He emphasized Kattimani's reliability, stating, “I don’t know if he’s the best goalkeeper, but he makes the fewest mistakes since I’ve been here.”
Marquez highlighted Kattimani's professionalism and key role in the team's success. “He was a main player when we won the ISL (in Hyderabad FC), not just for saving penalties in the final,” he said.
The coach praised Kattimani's versatility, saying, “He’s a complete goalkeeper who can play outside the box.” While acknowledging the talent of goalkeepers Dheeraj Singh and Arshdeep Singh, he expressed strong confidence in Kattimani, saying, “We feel very comfortable with him.”
