ISL 2020-21 | We are never complacent: ATK Mohun Bagan’s Antonio Habas

ATK Mohun Bagan are in a great run of form in this Indian Super League season as they head into Tuesday’s match against Chennaiyin FC. They are coming into this encounter on the back of two great wins against FC Goa and Bengaluru FC, and that has helped them in going level on points with Mumbai City FC.

Habas was asked about whether his players could get complacent with things going so well for them, but he dismissed those suggestions completely saying that they can never get complacent.

“We are never complacent. We are improving but we have a long way to go. We have a good squad but we are looking forward to a difficult match against Chennaiyin,” stated the manager.

Habas also praised Chennaiyin FC a lot saying how good a team they are but he also mentioned that he is not thinking anything about the result of the 2019-20 final against them.

“Chennaiyin are fighting for the title. They were the finalists last season. They are playing well this season. I have seen their matches and they are playing at a very high level. We respect them very much.

“It is a new season with new players. I know they will create problems for us. Both teams will want to win. The side who will be more lethal will get the three points,” he reasoned.

Habas also went on to mention that he has the entire squad at his disposal except Michael Soosairaj, who is out with a long term injury.

He was also asked about whether he was going to employ the same strategy against Chennaiyin FC as he did in their win against Bengaluru FC.

“Bengaluru have one type of characteristic whereas Chennaiyin have another. You can prepare a match plan thinking about one thing and then the opponent can do another thing. The important thing is to have ideas very very clear and then you can adapt to the opponent.”

Australian forward David Williams, who was also present as the pre-match conference, said that ATK Mohun Bagan can get all three points in the game against Chennaiyin FC if they stick to their plans. He scored against Bengaluru FC recently and would like to carry that form forward into this match.

“We have to stick to our gameplan. They are a good team but they also have their weaknesses. We have done our homework and each team has their ways of playing and are dangerous. Every striker wants to score. I would like to score again but if we keep winning and get the three points I am happy with it. We are well-rested. We watched Chennaiyin the other night and we feel fresh,” said the 32-year-old.