'ATK's success due to hard work, discipline, stint in Spain'

Image
Press Trust of India Kolkata
Last Updated : Nov 27 2015 | 10:22 PM IST
The mantra to success for reigning champions Atletico de Kolkata has been a combination of hard work, discipline and rigorous training in Spain, coach Antonio Habas said after they became the first team to make the semifinals of ISL-2, beating Pune City FC 4-1 here today.
"It's a combination of discipline, hard work and talent. This is the magic, nothing else. We have worked in Spain for about a month which is working. The mental state of the squad is good and positive," Habas told reporters after their splendid win at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan.
Iain Hume struck his second hat-trick of the season while Dejan Lekic scored another.
Showering praise on Hume, he said: "He has been fantastic and brings a lot of positive energy to the side. But I don't want to pick any player for me everyone is same."
This was their third consecutive win and ATK are unbeaten from five matches. Habas credited the turnaround to his boys' positive attitude.
"We're happy to be in the playoffs. We have to continue playing this way. In the semifinals it's a different story. it's not a regular league but I'm not thinking too far. For me it's about the (our last league) match against Mumbai (December 4)."
"I don't want to talk about it. I cannot choose my opponents. I've to wait."
"The team is mentally up. We're getting confident everyday. This is football. You lose one game and you win one. The opponents hit the post thrice... This is football. My job is to motivate the team even in win and loss," Habas said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Nov 27 2015 | 10:22 PM IST

Next Story