Looking back at Antonio Habas' ISL finals

Antonio Habas is one of the most successful managers in ISL history.

Antonio Habas, the fiery Spanish manager, has carved a unique path in the Indian Super League (ISL). A constant on the sidelines, Habas holds the distinction of being the only coach to reach four ISL finals, an accomplishment achieved entirely with Kolkata clubs.

In his recent campaign with Mohun Bagan, he got the better of Odisha FC in the semi-final and marched on to the finals for the fourth time in his ISL career. As we look back at his tenure and the impact he has made, it becomes evident that his contributions have been nothing short of monumental.

Moreover, Habas’ professionalism and commitment to his craft have earned him widespread respect within the Indian football fraternity. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and his unwavering determination to succeed have been instrumental in shaping his remarkable journey in the ISL.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit these high-pressure showdowns.

ISL 2014

Antonio Habas’ first stint in the ISL came in the inaugural season of 2014, where he led Atlético de Kolkata to victory in the finals against Kerala Blasters. It was a fitting start to his ISL journey, as he displayed his tactical expertise and man-management skills to guide his team to glory. That triumph laid the foundation for his subsequent success in the league. Although Habas benched their marquee player, Luis Garcia in the final, ATK still got better of their opponents.

ISL 2019-2020

In the 2019-20 season, Habas returned to ATK after a brief gap, and once again proved his mettle in the finals. That time, his team clinched the title by defeating Chennaiyin FC, showcasing a blend of defensive solidity and attacking prowess orchestrated by Habas’ strategic brilliance. His ability to extract the best out of his players, coupled with his tactical flexibility, set him apart as one of the finest coaches in the league.

ISL 2020-2021

The 2020-21 season saw Habas achieve an unprecedented feat as he guided ATK Mohun Bagan to the ISL final. Although they fell short in the final against Mumbai City FC, Habas’ astute leadership and the team’s commendable performance throughout the campaign underscored his enduring influence on Indian football. ATK Mohun Bagan had a great season with the defensive tactics and huge experience of Antonio Habas.

ISL 2023-24

ISL 2023-24 has been another successful campaign for Antonio Habas with Mohun Bagan. He took charge in the middle of the season after Juan Fernando parted ways with the club. Under his tutelage, Mohun Bagan have already clinched the ISL Shield and now are into the finals. Habas now stands in front of another historical moment in his ISL career.

Mohun Bagan will play the winner of the Mumbai City FC vs FC Goa game in the ISL 2023-24 final.

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