Kolkata Derby: Mohun Bagan SG's Habas Plays Down Favourites Tag Against East Bengal FC
Antonio Habas, the seasoned head coach of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, is gearing up for a crucial clash against East Bengal FC in the upcoming Kolkata Derby. Having commenced the ISL 2023-24 season with an impressive undefeated streak, the Mariners faced a setback with three consecutive losses in December.
In response to the challenges, Mohun Bagan SG decided to part ways with former head coach Juan Ferrando and brought back Habas for his second stint. The upcoming Kolkata Derby marks Habas' return to the coaching role, and he expresses complete focus on preparing his team for the challenges ahead.
Habas, who had been serving as the Technical Director for Mohun Bagan SG, emphasises his football philosophy of preparing the team first and then focusing on the opponent. He said, "My idea all the time in football is to prepare my team 80-85 per cent. And after that, thinking about the proposal to the opponent. First half, we have to learn, we have to adapt to the opponent in more important points. But first is my team, and after my team we are thinking about the opponent."
Despite the recent setbacks, he dismisses the idea of favourites in derby matches, stating, "I think that in derby matches there is no favourite."
The coach highlights the shift in the team's approach, moving from relying on individual brilliance to a more collective dependence on all eleven players. "Now we are dependent on the 11 players. This is our idea now," says Habas, emphasising the importance of teamwork.
Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC have faced each other three times this season, with East Bengal FC emerging victorious twice in the Durand Cup and Kalinga Super Cup clashes. However, Mohun Bagan SG secured a crucial win in the Durand Cup 2023 final. Notably, since East Bengal FC's entry into the ISL in 2020, they have yet to defeat Mohun Bagan SG in past derbies.
With the upcoming Kolkata Derby, Habas aims to guide his team to redemption and avenge their loss to East Bengal FC in the Kalinga Super Cup, where East Bengal FC claimed the trophy, securing their first national title in 12 years.
In response to the challenges, Mohun Bagan SG decided to part ways with former head coach Juan Ferrando and brought back Habas for his second stint. The upcoming Kolkata Derby marks Habas' return to the coaching role, and he expresses complete focus on preparing his team for the challenges ahead.
Habas, who had been serving as the Technical Director for Mohun Bagan SG, emphasises his football philosophy of preparing the team first and then focusing on the opponent. He said, "My idea all the time in football is to prepare my team 80-85 per cent. And after that, thinking about the proposal to the opponent. First half, we have to learn, we have to adapt to the opponent in more important points. But first is my team, and after my team we are thinking about the opponent."
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Despite the recent setbacks, he dismisses the idea of favourites in derby matches, stating, "I think that in derby matches there is no favourite."
The coach highlights the shift in the team's approach, moving from relying on individual brilliance to a more collective dependence on all eleven players. "Now we are dependent on the 11 players. This is our idea now," says Habas, emphasising the importance of teamwork.
Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC have faced each other three times this season, with East Bengal FC emerging victorious twice in the Durand Cup and Kalinga Super Cup clashes. However, Mohun Bagan SG secured a crucial win in the Durand Cup 2023 final. Notably, since East Bengal FC's entry into the ISL in 2020, they have yet to defeat Mohun Bagan SG in past derbies.
With the upcoming Kolkata Derby, Habas aims to guide his team to redemption and avenge their loss to East Bengal FC in the Kalinga Super Cup, where East Bengal FC claimed the trophy, securing their first national title in 12 years.
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