Antonio Habas: To enjoy the final, winning is a necessity

The Spaniard insisted his side doesn't need extra motivation going into the game.

As the Indian Super League campaign draws to a close, we are left with just two teams in the competition - ATK and Chennaiyin FC. With the final scheduled to take place at the Fatorda stadium behind closed doors, the team from West Bengal will be hoping to get one over their fierce rivals. Ahead of the fixture, ATK head coach Antonio Habas and his assistant addressed the media in Goa, alongside star Fijian striker Roy Krishna.

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Antonio Habas

About The Season So Far

“We are going with the same idea and have to respect the opponent. This will be an important match for ATK and we have to give the best in the final.”

About The Coronavirus

“It’s a big problem here in India and everywhere else. I think it’s better for people’s health - because health is more important than football. The first priority for us is to consider the health of the people. It’s difficult to play with no supporters obviously," stated Antonio Habas.

About The Fixture Against Chennaiyin FC

“In football, all the matches are different. The final is going to be different from a league match. It’s a different match, it’s to be or not to be. We just have to enjoy the match and the final. We don’t want to lose, very very simple. It’s a different context between one match and another. It will be an absolutely different feel tomorrow. For tomorrow, we don’t need motivation because the motivation is in the match. We just have to enjoy the final and win it because for enjoying, winning is a necessity.”

About Beating Bengaluru FC

“It’s very important for us because Bengaluru are the defending champions. They are a very good team, a competitive team, a strong team. For us, the score in the last game is very important. It’s a different match now. In the semi-final you have the chance to recover the position. We must know that it’s a final and control accordingly," concluded Antonio Habas.

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Roy Krishna

The Season So Far

“When I came here, like I said, I just wanted to give my best to the team in any possible way. It’s good to be in the final, but we can’t get carried away. It’s a very important game, but we’re going to enjoy and get out there and try and do a good job.”

About A Possible Fresh Challenge

“I have to focus on the final first. Personally, I know I have targets. So, for me, I have to win the trophy first and then to do the best for the team. I’m just going to enjoy every moment, I’m here and my main focus is obviously on the game tomorrow.”

About Playing In An Empty Stadium

“This match, I think that the league has made the right decision because it’s more important. We are being paid to do a job and just play football. Tomorrow is just another day where we need to perform. People want to come and watch, but I think it’s a good decision considering the concern for their health."

About Getting Fouled Often

“I’m pretty small, so I have to get used to this game. It’s the same in A-League. As a striker, I’m playing against players twice my size. So, of course, that’s why I choose to play this game because I love it. Yes, the Chennaiyin defenders are pretty huge, but we are just going to concentrate on our strengths.”

Partnership With David Williams

“Willy (David Williams) is a very good human being as well. We played together last season and like I said, the club signed both of us and it came as extra motivation. He even pushes me in training to make me a better player. It’s good to play alongside him, he knows my game and I know him. We’re enjoying since day one - the people and everything. We’re just going to enjoy another game - looking forward to it.”

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About Pre-Season Expectations

“Not yet, I think still one more way to go. One is to win this and tomorrow is a very important game. Every player wants to be in the final. We’ve been playing the way we want every week, so tomorrow is just another game. It’s very important like I said. Some things that I still need to achieve, but I just take each day as it comes.”

Team News

Neither of the teams have reported any additional injuries over the last few weeks, meaning that they’re both likely to be at full strength for the final.

Head-to-Head

While the side from Kolkata currently edge the Marina Machans in terms of head-to-head, it’s interesting to note that both the league fixtures between the sides this season ended in away wins.

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Predicted Lineup

Arindam, Kotal, Johnson, Rathi, Prabir, Soosairaj, Regin, Hernández, Garcia, Williams, Krishna.

Broadcast

The final of the Indian Super League can be viewed on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD. It’s also available for viewing on Hotstar and Jio TV on other streaming platforms.

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