Laxmikant Kattimani speaks after penning new deal with HFC

Experienced goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani has signed a one-year contract extension with Hyderabad FC, to extend his stay at the club till the end of the 2021-22 season. The 31-year-old, who has been with the club since its inception, kept six clean sheets in 14 games in the recent season and moves into his third season with HFC.

After signing his contract extension, Kattimani spoke about the recent season, plans for the off-season, targets for the next season, and more…

On playing in a bio-bubble…

We knew it was going to be difficult to stay away from family and other acquaintances for over five months. But thankfully, we had a really good team and had a good season, so it was made a bit easier.

On training under Manolo Marquez…

Manolo is a really smart and friendly coach. It was a great learning experience for me, and for the youngsters in the squad, to have trained under a reputed coach from Spain. I hope I can keep learning under his guidance for another year and have a similar campaign with Hyderabad FC.

On looking forward to the upcoming season…

The last season did not end according to plan, but all the players in the team are pretty excited to start fighting all over again. As a team, we will fight till the end to go all the way, this time.

On targets set for the upcoming season…

Of course, all teams will aim to win the 2021-22 ISL trophy, and it is also a real aim for everyone at Hyderabad FC. But more importantly, we need to continue training and fighting as a group if we are to have a good season again.

On fitness routines in the off-season…

It is not easy in this pandemic but I am trying to keep myself busy with a couple of other sports in the off-season. A bit of work-out in the gym is obviously helping.

A message for the fans…

Me and everyone at HFC want to thank each and every Hyderabad FC fan for the support they showed us last season when we were playing away from home. We cannot wait to play in front of a full-Gachibowli Stadium and hopefully we can entertain you all soon. Thank you for everything so far and keep supporting us