Inter Kashi's Antonio López Habas on developing Indian players, delayed I-league start, Joni Kauko's signing & more
(Courtesy : Inter Kashi media)
Antonio Lopez Habas is one of the most prominent coaches in Indian football.
The Spanish tactician, Antonio López Habas revered as the epitome of success in Indian football, has made an indelible impact on the Indian Super League (ISL) and the entire footballing landscape of the country.
Habas, who began his managerial journey in India in the very first edition of ISL with ATK in 2014, was the first-ever manager to lift the coveted trophy. He returned for a second stint in the 2019-20 season and secured another ISL title, further endearing himself to the Kolkata football fans.
Beyond ATK, Habas contributed enormously to youth development in India. Appointed the head coach of Mohun Bagan, he led the club to the ISL Winner’s Shield in the 2023-24 season.
Apart from the trophies that he has helped his teams win, Habas is credited with developing young Indian players and introducing training methods that have increased the standard of football in India. Often termed passionate and with a great connection with the players, he enjoys an immense fan following all over the country and beyond.
This season Antonio López Habas embarks on yet another journey with I-League club Inter Kashi, marking his eagerly awaited return to football in the country. Through Inter Kashi for the I-League season 2024-25, he intends to win promotion to the ISL. This ambitious chase will make the league quite interesting, as fans will excited to see how he will dictate Inter Kashi’s campaign.
In an exclusive interview with Khel Now, Habas shed some light on what he visualizes for Inter Kashi and where they might end up this season. Here are some excerpts from his interview with Khel Now.
Indian national football team head coach position
Antonio Lopez Habas coached the Bolivian national football team in 1995 and earned the experience of managing a national side. Following Igor Stimac’s departure, he was one of the contenders to take up the job.
When asked if the experience of coaching Bolivia would have helped him as a possible option for the Indian football team coach, the Spaniard replied, “I had the possibility two months ago, but finally no. Now I am concentrating on Inter Kashi which is my primary job.”
Changes in playing style with Mohun Bagan last season
Last season after Juan Ferrando was sacked Mohun Bagan Super Giant coach, Habas took over the responsibility of the Mariners, mid-season. Unlike his defensive tactics, Antonio was seen playing attacking football.
“Because I could play another approach as we had different players with more technical capacity and more defensive possibility. We also had mixed players with great fighting spirit and could jump and then that combination was very good for us,” the 67-year-old stated.
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Thoughts on Inter Kashi’s strategy change this season
Inter Kashi developed many Indian players last season, but this season they have taken a different approach, aiming for promotion to the ISL. Habas had a different opinion on this and said, “I am very happy with the performance of the complete squad in the pre-season. It was the longest in history—with two months, rather more than two months of training.
“I’m very happy because it’s a big surprise for me seeing the level of the young players. I am delighted with the team.”
Developing players for Indian football team
Antonio Lopez Habas has previously spoken about developing players for the Indian national football team. When questioned if that still remains one of his primary objectives with this club, Habas said, “Yes surely. The idea and goal for me all the time is a win but similarly to the win you have to develop a player for another club.
“Maybe you are in one club one season and after that you go and my idea is that my player has a good career and the players are very important in Indian football. Because I train, for example, I train maybe 20-30 players and would like all of them to represent the national team.”
His role models or idols
The Spanish tactician was asked about his role models or personal favourite coaches that he followed. Antonio Lopez Habas said, “Principally the first names that come to mind is Cesar Luis Menotti, Argentine coach you must know. Arrigo Sacchi, the Italian coach who was famous for his tactics. Luis Aragonés was my coach and my teacher, and his influence has impacted me a lot.
“Also the influence of Pep Guardiola in the world of football. Above all Carlo Ancelotti, because Ancelotti is more or less my age and has huge success in Spain.”
On delay of I-League 2024-25 season
“This is a good opportunity for my players because the coach all the time depends on the player. It is a long season. In Spain for example, you start the league in September and finish in June, this is a long competition but here five months for me is not a long competition,” Antonio Lopez Habas elucidated.
Joni Kauko’s addition to Inter Kashi
Former Mohun Bagan midfielder Joni Kauko has joined the side from Kashi recently and he will play under his former coach. When Habas was asked if this signing would be effective considering his previous connection with Kauko, Habas said, “He is a very important player for us and above all for the young players because Joni Kauko is a top player, as he played in the national team in Finland in the Euro Cup.”
“I think that Joni Kauko can help the young players. He has the same vision and the project for him is very good. Since he talked with me before coming and said Antonio, I want to play with you and for that, we have signed him here immediately,” Antonio Lopez Habas concluded.
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