Antonio Habas: We need the support of the fans in Kolkata

The Kolkata outfit lost the season opener against Kerala Blasters on 20th October.

ATK have an intimidating challenge in front of them in their home debut against Hyderabad FC on Friday and Antonio Habas knows how crucial it is to win the game. The Spaniard has quite the impressive record at the Salt Lake Stadium and will want his side to get their season underway in style by laying misery on the Indian Super League(ISL) debutants.

Speaking before the game, the Spaniard spoke about a potential lack of balance in ATK right now and said, “I think we have great fitness to play well in the first 40 minutes. I think maybe we need more balance in the team. We need to improve with the players. We have seven new players in the team and it’s very difficult to create the perfect balance with a new side.”

When speaking about any regrets on losing the game against Kerala Blasters, Antonio Habas said, “We had many opportunities to score goals. We didn’t deserve to lose the match. But now we have to think about the match ahead.”

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Need fan support to boost performance

Habas asked for the fans to come down and support them but wasn’t desperate to put a dire face for calling them. He said, “We need the support of the fans. I think we have to transmit the energy from the pitch for the fans. I don’t want to tell the fans to come support, support and support. I think first the players on the pitch must perform well to win over the fans.”

The gaffer refused to speak much about Hyderabad FC and stated when asked about them, “I want to think about my team right now, not about the opponent. We know it’ll be a difficult game from the opponent.”

Content with the squad

When asked about whether he needs more influential players in midfield or attack, Habas explained, “I have good players in the squad. We can use many players in the game. The structure doesn’t change for us. It’s not good for the team. We are a new team and we cannot say every day to change things around.”

Antonio Habas refused to put to light his impressive form at home with ATK, saying, “I don’t know as I saw the pitch today for the first time in 45 days. We’re in Kolkata and we are asking the fans to be part of the team. They are 20% of our winning chances. Football is about the fans.

Read Match Preview: ISL 2019-20: ATK host Hyderabad FC in search of first league points

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Impressed with Soosairaj

Michael Soosairaj played in a rather defensive role in their season opener against Kerala Blasters. When asked about his role in the team, Habas said, “The duty to the team is like that. I think Soosairaj has a fantastic future but he needs to adapt to us tactically. Maybe one day he’ll play as a full-back and another day he’ll be a winger. He has the condition for playing in many sectors of the pitch.”

Habas also refused to speak about the importance of maintaining a good home form and said, “I don’t want to talk about that. I have in my mind that we must win tomorrow. We have to put everything in a tactical sense into our performances. The importance is to perform well in order to win matches. I don’t want to think about the past or anything. “

Finally, the gaffer spoke about how having lesser(5) number of foreigners in the team as compared to the earlier seasons has effected his style. He explained, “It’s the same for every team in the ISL. I feel it’s necessary for the growth of Indian Football. Every season you need to know more for the Indian players. You must give opportunities to Indian players. It’s necessary for the development of the Indian national team and for the growth of Indian football.”