The city’s Indian Super League (ISL) franchise ATK announced the return of its first coach Antonio Lopez Habas prior to the start of the sixth season, here on Thursday.
Significant
The appointment of Habas becomes significant as the two-time champion aims to regain the proficiency it enjoyed under Spanish coaches in the first three years.
The 61-year-old Habas, who helped ATK win the inaugural title before taking the side to the play-off stage in the second season, returns as ATK failed to make a mark under successive English coaches in the past two seasons.
A change of guard became apparent after the team failed to qualify to the ISL playoffs this time under Steve Coppell.
Spanish system
With the team management retaining the services of its two Spanish imports Manuel Lanzarote and Edu Garcia alongside Englishman John Johnson, the return of Habas appears to confirm the think-tank’s reliance on the Spanish system for success.
Habas, who has the experience of working with a La Liga side like Valencia CF, was with ISL side FC Pune City in his last assignment.
“I have always had the feeling that I will be back to train the team.
“I am sure that with the support of the fans, and us working together, we will get the recognition and the results that the club deserves.
Success will be achieved
“Success will be achieved when we aspire to compete hard and add to the professional growth of the club,” Habas said in statement released by ATK.
