Blasters coach Taylor revisits memories of playing against Pele

KERALA BLASTERS COACH Peter Taylor on Monday revisited his only play against Brazilian legend Pele, who will witness their Indian Super League match against hosts Atletico de Kolkata in Kolkata on Tuesday.

"I once had a chance of playing against him for 20 minutes. It was a proud moment for me. I could never get the ball off his feet. He was such a fantastic player. It is wonderful that he will be present at the stadium," Taylor said at the pre-match media conference.

The former England winger was speaking about a match in 1977 when Pele played for a "Rest of the World" side against Taylor's.

Taylor also said that his current team's Spanish marquee player Carlos Marchena is fit and is available for Tuesday's tie.

Blasters are dealing with several injury problems but it won't make them less formidable.

"I know they are missing some key players, even we have some injury problems. So it will be evens-stevens," Taylor said.

Atletico coach Antonio Lopez Habas also said it was fantastic that Pele will be watching the game.

"Pele coming here is fantastic, he is a global icon. Hope we can play impressive football in front of him," Habas said.