ISL 2021-22, Kolkata Derby: ATK Mohun Bagan coach Antonio Habas wants the same intensity from his team for 90 minutes: ATK Mohun Bagan started the new season on a high note as the Mariners thump Kerala Blasters 4-2 and will now take on arch-rivals SC East Bengal in their Indian Super League clash. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates and updates on the Kolkata Derby only on InsideSport.in
While the Mariners have already hit the ground running, they won’t be taking any chances against SC East Bengal in the iconic Kolkata Derby. Despite the win, Habas was not entirely satisfied by his team’s performance in the second half. He admitted that they got comfortable and hence conceded a goal in the second half.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s derby 💚♥️⚡️#ATKMohunBagan #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন #HeroISLsub pic.twitter.com/KC9HYJLEbb
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) November 25, 2021
Before the Kolkata Derby, Habas shares his utmost respect for the Red and Golds but all he is eyeing from this high voltage clash are those important three points.
“East Bengal is a team in transition. There are new players and a new coach. The coach needs time for a serious project. But in India everything is instant. The most important thing is the final result. For us, it is a very important match. There will be no supporters but the players know the importance of this match,” he stated.
ATKMB were splendid against SC East Bengal in their last campaign as they did the double over their rivals. While Habas is not someone who stays in the past, the Spaniard desperately wants to win. Therefore he highlights how he has different plans for different teams.
“You can’t repeat history. But our idea is to win the match. We respect the opponents. We have to do our all for ninety minutes on the pitch. We have a special plan for different teams. We have to adapt to new conditions. We cannot play the same game against every team as we have to adapt to the characteristics of the opponent,” he explained.
ISL 2021-22, Kolkata Derby: SC East Bengal’s new look forwardline has players like Antonio Perosevic and Daniel Chima. These are the two players who looked threatening against Jamshedpur. It was Perosevic who looked like scoring or even creating chances. But Habas has his plans chalked out. He points out how stopping Chima and Perosevic will be a team effort rather than simple man-marking. Habas wants his team to play at the same intensity for the entire game.
“The plan is to stop Chima and Perosevic with team play. No individual marking or man-to-man marking. We have to be more ambitious. In the last match in the second half, we became comfortable with the scoreline. We have to play with the same intensity for 90 minutes,” he said.
It will surely be a fascinating game as both teams will be looking to trump each other on the big day.
