My team is ready for the ISL final, asserts Antonio Habas

The Spaniard along with Fijian forward Roy Krishna spoke about their preparations ahead of the big game on Saturday.

ATK Mohun Bagan aim to make history by clinching their first-ever Indian Super League (ISL) title in their debut season when they face league-winners Mumbai City in the final on Saturday. Antonio Habas has never lost an ISL final in his career, but he’s also lost two games against Sergio Lobera this season – which means that something has got to give!

Feelings for final & approach

But, Habas says that his feeling for this final is the same as it was in the past finals. “The feeling is the same as it was last time. We have to compete well and have the idea to win, with absolute respect for the opponent. But, I feel that my players and my team is ready for the final.”

The tactician was asked about how his side will approach Mumbai after losing twice against them this season. He answered, “In football, every match is absolutely different. I feel like the last matches against Mumbai have been settled in small details. In the first match, we had the opportunity to score before Mumbai and after that they scored goal and won it. In the second match, there were a few accidental goals, as we don’t normally concede in set-pieces. I feel we will go with a different style against Mumbai and I’m confident that my team can win.”

Experienced players in squad

The Spaniard is also pleased with how many experienced players he has, especially when it comes to those having already played in an ISL final. “I don’t think the mental situation is important in the final. Because it is different. I want to say that we have several players with experience in a final. Maybe that experience helps us. My idea is to have the possibility to win.”

Threat from set-pieces

Antonio Habas also had an interesting thing to point out when asked about the danger areas of Mumbai City, saying, “I think that at the moment we are facing a team with 65-70% in set pieces. We have to control our game in set-pieces.

“We have the same possibility to win because we are in the final. For me, this is another final with the idea to win,” he added.

Sergio Lobera's influence

Further, Antonio Habas had praise for Mumbai City boss Sergio Lobera ahead of the game, saying, “I think that Lobera is making a good war in Mumbai. He is a young coach and has a bright future. I have absolute respect for him because he has the determination and personality to win. It’s important for a coach, as the team can replicate his style perfectly.”

Winning mentality

The ATKMB boss reiterated his team’s idea to win when asked about whether his side will go with a similar approach as they did against NorthEast United in the semi-final. He said, “The idea is to win, play well and win. After that, some characteristics to the game are different. We have to analyze the match and control the win more than just thinking about playing well. But, the opponent will also play and maybe it’ll be difficult for us to execute that because they will look to stop us from doing well.”

The tactician was also asked about how he’s kept those players who have not played much this season motivated. “It’s football! You have to be professional. In the league, there is a possibility of one player not playing at all. Normally, you have a set first XI which you can change at times. Sometimes you can change or substitute players because the competition is strong and you have problems with injury or fitness issues. All coaches in the world have a strong first XI and after that you can change things.”

Finally, Antonio Habas had an emphatic answer when asked about Roy Krishna’s capability of being the best-ever foreign export in Indian football history. “Roy Krishna can definitely be the best foreign player to play in Indian football.”

Roy Krishna's on importance of final

Roy Krishna joined Antonio Habas in the pre-match press interaction and spoke about how important it is for them to win for the fans on Saturday. “We are blessed to be part of this very huge club. I know how important this is for the fans. We are going to go out there and do what we have done this season.”

He also had praise for teammate Manvir Singh, who has been on fire this season. “Manvir is a good signing and we knew how good he was when he came. All credit goes to him. He does very well in training, works hard and that shows on the pitch.”

Performing under pressure

The Fijian also had some interesting words when asked about whether he is under pressure to perform in the final. “Pressure only comes when you think too much. I’m only doing my job to help my team. As a team we’ve been playing really well.”

Krishna was also asked about which Indian players he believes are good enough to play in the A-League, to which he gave an interesting answer. “I think this season we have seen a lot of young Indian players who are pushing us foreign players. Everyone deserves and can play in the A-League. Because the standards are pretty much the same or even better here. Hopefully, next season they could play in a foreign league. This season one of the highlights in Manvir, so the youngsters can learn from him to get better next season.”

Praise for Amrinder Singh

Krishna also complimented Mumbai City goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, saying, “Amrinder is an experienced goalkeeper. But, you have to give credit to the defenders in front of him. They put their bodies on the line and that has helped too. He is a good goalkeeper and you know he is working hard in training which is reflecting his performances. It’s good for him.”

Main objective to win trophy

Krishna can also win the ISL Golden Boot if he scores against Mumbai, but his main objective is to win the trophy. He said, “I try my best to score, but it’s all about the team from Day 1. If I win the Golden Boot it’ll be a bonus, but I want to do my best and win the trophy for the team.”

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