Antonio Habas: The precision & effort from players has been fantastic

The ATK head coach talked to reporters ahead of his side's clash with Chennaiyin FC on Wednesday.

ATK head coach Antonio Lopez Habas and star foreigner Carl McHugh faced questions from the media ahead of their trip down south to the home of Chennaiyin FC.

ATK go to Chennai on the back of a thumping 5-0 win against Hyderabad FC, which would've been a real shot in the arm for the men from the City of Joy.

Talking about the previous game against Hyderabad, Antonio Habas said, "I see it as three points and not 5-0. I am happy with the performance of the team. That is what is important for me, especially after the first match."

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Habas didn't take any acceptance of Wednesday's opponents' inability to find the back of the net and stressed on his boys to be focused throughout the game saying, "Football is never the same. No match is similar and this is the mentality with which we have to go to Chennai. We should know what we have to do during the 90 minutes."

"Physically, we are about 75-80% there. We have been playing well and I am happy with the performances of the team so far. I think the precision and the effort from the players has been fantastic," said Habas on his team's fitness levels.

Talking about coming to and playing in India, McHugh had words of praise for the time he has spent in the country and promised to have many more years in the ISL.

"I've played for teams in England as well as Scotland and I wanted a change in my career, which made me come to India. The league has lived up to my expectations and I hope it continues here for a long time. It is a different experience here, playing in this country and the people of Kolkata have been very welcoming for me," said McHugh on his experience of playing in the ISL.

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When asked about how playing in the ISL could influence his aspirations for the Ireland national team, the defender was calm and reiterated his focus towards doing his best for ATK saying, "Every player wants to play for his nation. But, I can't influence such decisions. I'm committed to training and doing my best for ATK."

Talking about the team, McHugh said, "The pre-season was great and the team has gelled very well together. The season has just begun and it's a long season. We need to keep working hard every day and keep working together."

Habas praised his opponents on Wednesday saying, "I have played against Chennaiyin during my time previously with ATK and Pune. They are a good team and I have the utmost respect for them."

ATK face Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai at 7:30 PM IST on Wednesday, 30 October.