Our work is to get three points and get the wins every game, says Antonio Habas

The ATK Mohun Bagan head coach also admitted that he is unsure regarding the match fitness of his players.

A lot of anticipation is built around the introduction of ATK Mohun Bagan into the Indian Super League (ISL), as they are expected to take the league by storm. However, Antonio Habas doesn’t really enjoy the best of records against Kerala Blasters and lost both games against the southerners in the 2019-20 season.

In a new season and a new feel to ATK Mohun Bagan, who have the aspirations of millions riding on their shoulders. Going into the intense battle against Kerala Blasters, it has caught some by surprise that the Mariners did not play any pre-season friendlies to improve their match sharpness ahead of the opener and the same was asked to Antonio Habas in the digital pre-match press conference.

“We don’t concentrate necessarily to play friendly games this season. Because this pre-season is a special pre-season. I think it’s more difficult for players to play against their teammates than another opponent. For me, the friendly matches this season doesn’t have the necessary conditions for playing. There are no referee, the training pitches are not up to the mark. For me, it was better to hold intra-squad games instead.”

Living inside the bio-bubble and being isolated from everyone else makes it challenging for any ISL team to cope properly. The ATK Mohun Bagan head coach acknowledges the difficult situation but believes his players will be able to cope with it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wVxG6X7o_4

“It’s very difficult for us and especially the players because it’s necessary to contact with families and friends. I think the relationship between us is perfect now. I think we have to control the situation and the responsibilities to the players are important. My players are intelligent in this situation and we won’t have any problems.”

“Last season in the final, we played without any fans. We have to be intelligent this season. The players are preparing well to cope with this situation as well,” he added.

While the Spaniard laments the absence of fans in games, he believes his team are ready enough for the situation. “We are mentally ready to play without the fans. This is the situation right now in football. We have to find another motivation inside the group to win games. I don’t think this is a good situation, but for all team it’s the same.”

Antonio Habas also had some kind words for Kerala Blasters head coach Kibu Vicuna and his team as he said, "I think Kibu Vicuna did a great job at Mohun Bagan. But now it’s a different competition and another level of competition. I respect the work he’s done."

"I think Kerala have signed some really good new players. They have a good new coach. We have maximum respect for them and I think they think the same about us as well," he added.

Despite starting off their ISL campaign with tough games against Kerala and arch-rivals SC East Bengal, the Spaniard revealed that he does not have anything special planned for any of the upcoming games. “I think the level of competition this season is great. We have to play every opponents with the same intensity. For me to play the first game against Kerala and second against East Bengal is the same as our games following that. I don’t have any special reservation for any particular team.”

After not having played any pre-season friendlies, the tactician admitted that he is unsure about the squad’s match fitness but is confident they’ll pull through. “I have no idea about the match fitness. We are working for the best of the team. For now, the competition is in a special moment. I am very happy with the performance of the players, the effort they are giving in the sessions – because at this moment the effort is what matters the most,” he explained.

The big talking point before the starter remains the match fitness of star signing Sandesh Jhingan, who hasn’t played professional football in over a year now. When asked about his centre-back’s fitness and whether he’ll be rushed into the starting XI, he answered: “It depends on the game. I think Jhingan will get the same chance as the other players. He had an injury last season for six-seven months, but the rest of the players in our squad also missed six-seven months of action during the Covid lockdown. So I think fitness wise everyone is the same.”

The 63-year-old is still pleased with his domestic signings for this season and praised their work so far. “I am very happy with the new recruits because they bring new things to the fore. They like to win and be important to football in India. I’m very happy with their performance, with their attitude and with their integration into the squad.”

When asked about whether he believes the preparation leading up to the opener has been good enough for the Mariners, he said, “We are not afraid of the first match or the competition that is waiting. We are prepared for the competition. The players all know their role for the competition. We respect all the opponents, all the players in the ISL but we have to do our work. Our work is to get three points and get the wins every game.”

Antonio Habas also revealed that he believes it’s very important for his side to win the league opener to start their campaign on the right track. “It’s always very important to start the competition with a win. The opponents are also thinking about the same. I don’t have any problem because for me the first match is the same as any other one in the competition.”

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