ISL 2020-21: Antonio Lopez Habas warns ATK Mohun Bagan to not take NorthEast United FC lightly

By Team Newsable | First Published Jan 25, 2021, 6:34 PM IST

ATK Mohun Bagan has had a commendable debut in the 2020-21 Indian Super League, currently placed second in the table. It would be up against NorthEast United FC next, with the latter being placed fifth. ATKMB had already beaten the side in the last leg this season.

ATK Mohun Bagan would look to consolidate its second spot in the Indian Super League 2020-21 table. It takes on fifth-placed NorthEast United FC at the Faotrda Stadium in Bengaluru, on Tuesday.

ATKMB is coming off a winning performance against the side in the first leg, having won 2-0. However, head coach Antonio Lopez Habas has warned that the side cannot be taken lightly, as the previous match turned out to be competitive.

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“In football, no two matches are the same. It was one competitive match. We are not overconfident because we won that one. We have due respect for NorthEast and we have to be at our best to win the match. They are a difficult opponent. They have good players and they will make it difficult for us,” he said during the pre-match press conference.

ALSO READ: How are ATK Mohun Bagan players gearing up for NorthEast United FC clash?

Speaking about its defence, Habas asserted, “It is always to important to score, be it in the last minute or the first minute. It is important to score first. Then, we can play more calmly and in an organised manner. I am very happy with the scoreline (1-0).”

He also feels that the win from their last game against Chennaiyin FC was essential to keep the momentum going. “I think we played well for 90 minutes against Chennnaiyin. The boys understood that we needed to win. We changed the system of how we play and that might have influenced the score,” he revived.

However, Habas denied speaking anything about the playoffs and who are the favourites to qualify. “I don’t know where we will finish. I can’t say which clubs will qualify for playoffs. We have many matches left and it is not possible to say anything. We have to wait for the final standings. In football, there is not just one determining moment. We have to continue with our plan. We have to win match after match. This is our philosophy,” he concluded.

Watch the full press conference here:

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