Hugo Boumous and Joni Kauko are important for ATK Mohun Bagan, says Antonio Habas

The Spanish tactician spoke ahead of the Mariners' AFC Cup campaign.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit ATK Mohun Bagan will make their debut in the AFC Cup on August 18. In their first game, the Antonio Habas-led side will come up against the winner of the upcoming qualifier game between Bengaluru FC and Club Eagles.

ATK Mohun Bagan have been placed in Group D of the AFC Cup, alongside Maziya S&RC from Maldives and Bangladeshi club Bashundhara Kings. The group fixtures will be played in the Maldives.

Ahead of their campaign in Asia’s second tier club competition, the club's head coach Antonio Lopez Habas addressed the media:

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Feelings ahead of the game

Needless to say, ATK Mohun Bagan will represent India on one of the biggest stages in Asian football when they feature in the AFC Cup. When asked about his feelings going into the competition, Habas said, “My feelings now is to keep working everyday and prepare the team for the competition.

"As of now, we have to build a new team as we have a lot of changes in the squad. The idea is to train everyday, to keep improving and do well in the matches," he further added.

Parameters for new signings

The Mariners have roped in high-profile fresh faces in their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign. Stating the parameters laid by him to sign new players, the Spaniard said, “We have to continue growing. We have to improve the squad and sign players who are important for us. We need to have a balance between one season and other season. And this is idea for this season as well."

Thoughts on new foreign recruits

ATK Mohun Bagan made a statement of intent with their latest foreign recruits. As everyone knows, Finland international Joni Kauko and 2019-20 season’s 'Hero of the ISL' Hugo Boumous are now ATKMB's players.

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Speaking about his first impression on their fitness and performance during training, Antonio Habas said, “I feel they are very good players. Boumous was an important player in the ISL last season and Kauko is an important player for us because he has a good balance between attack and defence. I feel both these foreign players will be important for us next season."

Style of gameplay

https://youtu.be/hGgjfrpb1Tk

The Mariners' boss was also asked if a more attacking version of ATK Mohun Bagan will be on display in keeping with the latest inclusions in the squad.

“The idea for all matches is attack and defend. Football is balanced, not all-attack or all-defence. You have to find a balance in attack and defence which is most important in football,” he replied.

Preparations for AFC Cup

ATK Mohun Bagan surrendered to Mumbai City FC in the ISL final last season. They also missed out on the League Winners' Shield, following a second-place finish. Sharing his thoughts on how he is preparing his team after a trophy-less campaign, Antonio Habas said, “We didn’t win a title last season, but we were regularly ahead of Mumbai City. And in the final sometimes it can happen. I feel we too had the possibility to win the title. Now, we have to increase our level.

"Our objective is to win the ISL," he revealed.

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Challenges ahead of AFC Cup

When asked if the current preparations are enough to present a tough fight in the AFC Cup, the two-time ISL winning coach said, "Because of COVID-19, it is not possible to assemble all the foreigners at the same time. But, as I always say, no excuses. The competition is waiting for us in Maldives and we have to give a good account of ourselves."

Thoughts on other teams in group

As mentioned already, ATK Mohun Bagan will face Bashundhara Kings, Maziya S&RC and the winner of the qualifier between Club Eagles and Bengaluru FC in Group D of AFC Cup 2021.

“I don’t know much (about the difference in playing styles between teams). Bengaluru changed their coach and they may have a different style now. However, we will surely have the information about all our opponents,” Habas explained his thoughts on their opponents.

Thoughts on winning the AFC Cup

When asked about ATKMB's chances to win the AFC Cup, the 64-year-old merely said that they do not have an opinion on that before the tournament begins. “I don’t know because we have to play. It's not possible for me to have an opinion on this before the competition," he said.

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David Williams' availability

As reported by Khel Now a few weeks ago, the Mariners have retained the services of David Williams, their star striker from Down Under. They also confirmed the extension officially on Wednesday.

When asked about his expected time of reporting to the team, Antonio Habas said, “He will arrive by tomorrow (Thursday). However, we will have to analyze his physical state before playing him."

Future Plans

ATK Mohun Bagan have made a lot of changes to their roster from last season and are preparing a new combination for the upcoming campaign. “We needed more time for preparation. However, due to COVID-19 and other circumstances it has been tough for us. We can’t do anything and have to adapt to the conditions,” the tactician concluded.

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