Antonio Habas: ATK & BFC - two teams who have conceded less goals

The Spanish tactician is expecting a tight game in Bengaluru.

It is that time of the season again when two-time champions ATK will go head-to-head against reigning champions Bengaluru FC in the semi-finals of the Indian Super League. ATK head coach Antonio Habas addressed the media in the pre-match press conference ahead of their journey to Bengaluru. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Coach's Corner

Habas was quizzed whether Bengaluru FC will be easier opponents than Chennaiyin, considering the recent form of the two teams. The Spaniard replied with the utmost respect for the Blues . He said, "I don't have an opinion on this because I can't choose. We have to give 100% because Bengaluru are the reigning champions and they are a solid team. I think this will be a long eliminatory." Speaking about opponents Bengaluru FC in the playoffs, the Spaniard explained how it is going to be a very tactical battle between two teams who have not conceded many goals this season. "I think it will be a very competitive match between two teams with good organization and both teams have good players. These are the two teams which have conceded less number of goals and this will be an eliminator match with a tight score," he went on adding. ATK are not going into the playoffs with great form, as the two-time champions have not won their last two league matches and when quizzed whether that will have any effect on the team, Antonio Habas said, "We have a trajectory of keeping balance in the team and we have lost only four matches. The team was trying hard for the first position, but the problem was FC Goa only failed in one match." [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] "The trajectory and balance are perfect for us and now we have to show that in the playoffs. We are in the space that we want - we are in the semi-finals. Now, we have to keep our balance to play the game." "Chhetri is a legend in Indian football. He is a good player and a great leader in Bengaluru FC. I don't have anything else than a fabulous opinion about him," he opined about Sunil Chhetri. FC Goa have already topped the league phase and have earned the AFC Champions League spot. When asked whether there will be any lack of motivation among the players to put up a strong fight for the title, Habas added, "We are talking about professional players and not amateurs. I wait for the best Bengaluru FC team and it is 100% possible that they come out in their best shape against us. This is my perception of the match against them. I am not waiting with attitude or anything, I wait for the best Bengaluru in the playoffs." "It will be a very tactical match and both teams are very tactically capable. In my opinion, no score is a big score in Bengaluru or Kolkata," Antonio Habas added. Lastly, he shared his thoughts about the game and how he wants the best of everything from these two matches. "These matches are special matches. Goals are important, but the crunch situations mark the final score in these matches. Obviously, the referee becomes very important for these match, as it is the semi-final and we want the best in every department," he concluded. Spanish midfielder Javi Hernandez who has been a very important figure in this ATK side accompanied Habbas to the press conference and shared his thoughts about their playoffs opposition Bengaluru FC. He said, "We won against them here 1-0. But, every match is different and difficult, so we cannot afford to lose. Their best department has to be the defence, as they do not concede many goals and they are very tactical. " [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Antonio Habas | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Team News

Antonio Habas will be relieved about the fact that there are no injury concerns apart from Anas Edathodika going into the playoffs.

Probable XI

Arindam; Pritam, Mongil, Rathi; Prabir Jayesh, Javi, Mandi, Soosairaj; Krishna, Williams.

Head-to-Head

Both the sides have faced each other six times, with Bengaluru FC prevailing through four wins, while ATK have only one. The other clash ended in a draw. This season, ATK defeated the Blues at home and in their last league game, they came from behind to share the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network from 7:30 PM IST on Sunday evening. It would also be streamed live on Hotstar and Jio TV.