Happy with win but improvements needed, says ATKMB boss Antonio Habas

The Mariners thrashed Kerala Blasters in their opening match of ISL 2021-22.

ATK Mohun Bagan started off their 2021-22 ISL season in style, as they beat Kerala Blasters 4-2 in the season opener. Hugo Boumous scored a brace, while Roy Krishna and Liston Colaco also found the net for the Mariners. Sahal Abdul Samad and Jorge Pereyra Diaz were the goalscorers for the Blasters. ATKMB coach Antonio Habas was happy with the victory, but insisted his side must improve a lot to maintain their winning streak.

Boumous opened the scoring for ATK Mohun Bagan as early as the third minute after his innocuous cross into the box evaded all and rolled into the net. Questions though were raised about the goal after replays showed Krishna in an offside position and interfering with the goalkeeper's sight. But, the referee allowed the goal to stand. Sahal Abdul Samad then equalized for the Blasters with a sumptuous volley from the edge of the box.

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But, their joy did not last long as three minutes post Sahal's gorgeous strike, Albino Gomes fouled Krishna and gave away a penalty. The Fijian striker made no mistake from the spot. With their lead restored again, ATKMB launched attacks and doubled their advantage in the 39th minute, when Krishna and Boumous combined before the latter scored with a composed and controlled finish.

Kerala Blasters did come out in the second-half with more attacking intent. But, the game was put to bed by Liston Colaco, who scored a goal the ISL will remember for ages. After failing to beat his marker Harmanjot Khabra through the first half, Colaco opted for a more sensational approach. He received the ball at the edge of the box, took a touch and curled it well beyond anyone's reach. Diaz pulled one back deep into the second half for the Blasters. However, the lead was too big for a comeback.

Happy with win but need to improve

The Spaniard was happy with the team and lauded their efforts. However, he also called for his team to improve and not get complacent with the result.

"We have good players but we have to improve a lot. Not happy with the second half because the team (was) relaxing and (too) confident. I don't want that. We have to improve a lot of things," said Antonio Habas at the post-match press conference. "We had many opportunities to score more. But, in this format, we need more precision. Happy with the three points, but we have to improve in the second half," he added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ3rlZygaj0

Hugo Boumous & Liston Colaco effect

While Boumous starred with two goals as well as the pre-assist that led to the penalty, Colaco scored the goal that killed the game. His strike from a difficult angle was out worldly and left the entire Kerala Blasters' defence on its feet.

"He (Hugo Boumous) is a good player. But, we also have other good players," asserted Habas, never shy of putting the team before individuals. "We have to build a collective team and not determine one star or another star. It's a collective squad and after that, the players have to be in top form. But, all these players are quality players."

Playing with seven Indian players

Unlike the previous editions, the ISL this season has gone with four foreigners in the playing XI in accordance with the AFC playing regulations. The league has also cut down the number of foreigners allowed in a squad from seven to six this season.

For someone such as Antonio Habas, who brings the best out of what he has at his disposal, he has never focused on the number of foreign and Indian players on the pitch. Asked about the impact of having an additional Indian player on the pitch, the 64-year-old said it was good for the league. However, he also emphasized that limiting the number of overseas players to four means teams will now need to bring in good foreign footballers.

"It's good for the ISL (to play with seven Indians). But, in my opinion, the more important factor is that the foreign players that come have good quality," said Habas.

Balancing squad with young & experienced players

Under Habas, ATK Mohun Bagan and ATK before it have often come under criticism for not grooming young talents. However, this season the club has a number of top young talents with Liston Colaco, Deepak Tangri and Manvir Singh on top of that list. Habas too played along the lines and said the performance of the younger players in the team will be good and also help these players perform better with the national team.

"We don't have many old players because Subhasish is 26, Pritam 26-27, Tangri less. I'm happy with the performance. Maybe, this season, they can be good players for the national team," said the ISL's most successful coach.

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Preparations for Kolkata Derby

ATK Mohun Bagan play the Kolkata Derby next on November 27. They will go into the big clash with momentum by their side, having just thrashed Kerala Blasters by a big margin. For Antonio Habas though it is just another game.

“We will focus on rest and recovery before the Derby. Of course, it is a big game, but it’s always about the three points and the moment, so we will prepare for that accordingly," he expressed.

"East Bengal, for me, is just one more match because victory won't give us five or six points, only three points are at play. I don't want to play the match before. I want to play the match at that moment," concluded Habas.

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