Atletico de Kolkata head coach Antonio Habas confident about opening day ISL victory
Injury-hit Atletico de Kolkata are upbeat and confident regarding the current set of available players in their squad, before their first match this season against Chennaiyan FC.
During a press conference, ATK Coach said that, “I’m very happy with the squad that we have. All the 26 players are capable of starting for us. It is my job to ensure that the XI I put out has the best chance of winning the game.”
ATK’s playing style was heavily criticized with nine draws through the tournament last year. He said,“Ultimately, we became champions of the league. So, I'm not too bothered about that. We want to be a very difficult side to beat. That is our ideology. We go into every game with certain plans, and it is important that those plans are stuck to and we maintain tactical discipline, and work hard for each other. This year’s squad is better and we are very confident of retaining the title.”
The ATK squad has spent more than three weeks in Madrid for their pre-season camp this year. ATK’s head coach is satisfied with the team’s preparation prior to the start of the campaign.
He said, “Very fulfilling 4-5 weeks in Madrid. We've worked on a lot of things. It has helped me assess each player, and helped each player build his fitness. With games coming every 3-4 days, recovery will be the priority once the league starts, so not too much time to coach. ”
Last year’s champions have made a number of surprising changes this year. Canadian international forward Iain Hume, whose five goals had helped Kerala to the final of the previous season, replaced last year’s controversial striker Fikru Tefera, who has donned the jersey of the Chennai franchise this time.
In the domestic draft, Atlético de Kolkata had the first pick, choosing Pune F.C. goalkeeper Amrinder Singh for a fee of Rs 4.5 lakhs, who replaced last year’s standout performer Subhasish Roy Chowdhry. Their most expensive purchase in the draft was Defender Augustin Fernandes for 26 lakhs.
Marquee signing Luis García was also released this time due to his injury record. The team roped in Portugal international forward Hélder Postiga as their new marquee player; aged 32, he became the youngest such player in the league.