ISL 2022-23: It was a dream to play in the Hero ISL: Chennaiyin FC’s Monotosh Chakladar

Chennaiyin FC defender Monotosh Chakladar has revealed that it was his dream to play in the Hero Indian Super League ahead of the new season of the tournament. The Bengal footballer has signed a two-year contract with Marina Machans and he will look to grab his opportunities while playing for the two-time champions.

The youngster has seen a lot of tough times in his career so far as he rose through the ranks. Chakladar comes from a humble background but he worked hard to make it to the top-tier football in India.

The 24-year-old recently led Bengal in Santosh Trophy and it would have certainly added a lot of confidence to his bag.

“It was my dream to enter the ISL and I’m glad that I’m playing for a big club like Chennaiyin FC,” Chakladar told Sportskeeda.com in an interview.

The youngster is a product of the United Sports Club in Kolkata and he also played in the Calcutta Football League. Chakladar was also part of Peerless SC, which won the title in 2019.

Chakladar reckons that there is a massive difference while playing in other club competitions across the country and the Hero ISL.

“There’s a massive difference (at a Hero ISL club). The clubs I represented earlier had only one physio, but here we have three to four physios. We also have good masseurs, top foreign coaches, and an experienced Indian coach in Syed Sabir Pasha,” the 24-year-old said.

“Plus, our physical trainer is managing the dietary requirements of the team. I’ve now learned what to eat and what to avoid. As a professional player, you can’t ask for more when you get so many facilities from a club,” he added.

On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC could not qualify for the semifinal stages in the previous season as they only managed five wins in their 20 league stage matches. Thus, they finished in eighth place in the points table, and thus they will be determined to turn the tables in the upcoming season.