Exclusive: Jamshedpur FC set to appoint Antonio Habas as head coach

The former ATK and FC Pune City gaffer has previously enjoyed success in Indian football.

Former ATK and Pune City gaffer Antonio Lopez Habas is close to joining Jamshedpur FC as their new head coach, Khel Now understands.

The Spaniard is no stranger to the Indian Super League and has already won the title with his former side, ATK, in the inaugural season of the league in 2014.

The Men of Steel had a decent season considering that it was their first year in Indian football as they finished fifth in the league. However, with  previous manager Steve Coppell leaving the club and moving to Kolkata, Jamshedpur are considering Habas as a prime candidate to become their new head coach.

Despite his prior success, the Spanish tactician faced criticism at Pune City as he had a feud with club officials and could not lead the side to the playoffs, after having a strong squad.

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Habas is known for his dynamic play and free-flowing football, but he has had his fair share of issues. Having encountered several behavioural problems and suspensions, the 61-year old was banned in 2014 in a controversy involving him, the then ATK forward Fikru Lamessa and former FC Goa star Robert Pires.

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He was again banned when he was involved in some chaos in the match between ATK and Chennaiyin in the semi-finals in 2015, where his team eventually lost and he carried the four-match ban into the next season with the Stallions. His hot-tempered attitude and regular suspensions may prove detrimental to any side as we saw during his time at Pune City.

The Men of Steel have been busy in the market and signing experienced players like Raju Gaikwad, Sanjay Balmuchu and Dhanachandra Singh will only add to their firepower for the upcoming season.