ISL 2025-26: Habas stresses adaptability as Inter Kashi gear up for Odisha FC showdown

Inter Kashi is playing their first ISL season

Inter Kashi will continue their 2025–26 Indian Super League campaign after a draw with FC Goa with an away fixture against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on February 24, 2026. Scheduled for a 7:30 PM IST kick-off, the match presents another early test for the I-League champions as they adapt to the demands of top-tier football.

Ahead of the fixture, Head Coach Antonio Lopez Habas spoke to the media at the pre-match press conference and underlined the importance of adaptability and long-term competitiveness as Inter Kashi FC prepares to face Odisha FC in their upcoming Indian Super League fixture.

Here is what the head coach said

Antonio Lopez Habas speaks about the plan for the ISL debut season

The gaffer said that the primary objective this season is building steadily within the ISL framework, rather than chasing immediate glory.

“Our plan for us is, evidently, to build the team in the ISL. After that we have grown every day and we are progressing and the target now is the next match.”

“Now the next match is Odisha, But we have to prepare the team to be competitive all season. I think we have a competitive team for this season in ISL. Evidently, we are not favourites for winning, but maybe we can surprise them. I don’t know when, but we have the potential to surprise everyone”

Antonio Lopez Habas on adapting the system to squad strengths

On being asked about how the team has been adapting after an intense season at the I-League and now competing with the top-tier football teams, the Inter Kashi head coach highlighted a player-centric approach to tactics, stressing that systems must evolve around the strengths and conditions of the squad rather than forcing a fixed style of play.

“I think that the head coach of a team has to prepare the team differently and that style of play often depends on the players. It’s fundamental what the player’s role and contributions are in the team. It’s not fair that I have one idea for my model of play and it’s the same one all the time for every squad.”, he said

“In my opinion, If you have a player with a certain strength or a condition you have to adapt your model to the condition of the player. It’s not the other way round”

“And now we have one team, disciplined, with discipline, professional. The players are very professional and intelligent. The idea is to use the skill or the condition of the player to win the match.”

“I cannot say that this is my model or my style of play. Please play in this way. It’s different in this team. I don’t want to adapt this rigidity; my style or model of play is all about tactical flexibility, and I would follow the same method whether I am training with Real Madrid or with Mumbai. My style of play is always dependent on the player and the squad I have.”

On refereeing decisions

On refereeing matters, the coach chose not to dwell on controversy, while maintaining respect for match officials.

“I don’t want to talk about the referees. All coaches in the world say the same thing. We can’t influence the committee for the referees.”

“I think that the action in the previous game, according to me, was not a penalty. In my opinion, it was a foul from the striker on the goalkeeper. But now, we have to accept the decision of the referee. The referee is the more important authority on the pitch.”

“It’s not possible that the coach says no It’s impossible so there has to be a change in the decision. But we have to respect the decision the idea has to be to uphold every decision of the referee, not the player and the coach.”

“Evidently, I think the ISL needs VAR. VAR, It’s essential in all countries in the world who have a professional league”

Addressing questions about pressure ahead of Inter Kashi’s first ISL season, he downplayed mental burden while acknowledging the league’s short format.

“No, I think that we have to do perform well in our debut season , because the league is very short and there is also some pressure, because it’s our first time in the ISL and we would want to perform well.

”And I think that if we do the things in a good way, then we will be very competitive in every game.”

On playing without a home advantage

On the subject of playing without a traditional home advantage, the coach framed it as an achievement rather than a setback.

“We have to control the things that depend on us. These things don’t depend on us. So if it goes Into the Guiness book of World records so be it. Only one team in history played all matches away which is Inter Kashi It’s a positive thing for us.” He joked.

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