"In derby matches there is no favourite": Mohun Bagan SG's Antonio Habas ahead of East Bengal FC clash

The Mariners commenced their ISL 2023-24 season with an impressive undefeated streak in the initial seven matches, showcasing a remarkable brand of football. However, things took a downturn for the Kolkata giants in December.

They faced a setback with three consecutive losses against Mumbai City FC, FC Goa, and Kerala Blasters FC, significantly impacting their standing in the ISL league table. Subsequently, Mohun Bagan SG decided to part ways with former head coach Juan Ferrando, bringing back former coach Antonio Habas.

The upcoming Kolkata Derby will mark Habas' first match of the season in his return to the club for a second stint. The Mariners aim to avenge their loss to East Bengal FC in the Kalinga Super Cup, where they were eliminated by their rivals in the group stages. East Bengal FC went on to claim the trophy, securing their first national title in 12 years.

Habas has expressed his complete focus on preparing Mohun Bagan SG for the upcoming challenges.

"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," stated Habas in the pre-match press conference as ISL quoted.

When asked if his team will be favourites again for the Kolkata Derby, he said, "I think that in derby matches there is no favourite."

Habas had been serving as the Technical Director for Mohun Bagan SG since the beginning of the season. Prior to this role, the two-time ISL Cup-winning coach had been in charge of the club during the 2020-21 season. In that season, he led the team to the final, narrowly falling short of the ISL Cup against Mumbai City FC. Subsequently, he was replaced by Ferrando midway through the following season.

Habas holds the belief that his team has consistently maintained a competitive edge. He emphasises the shift in the team from relying on individual brilliance to a more collective dependence on all eleven players.

"Now I have to implement my condition, my way to vision football. The idea connected to the team. A lot of things work you know for, building a competitive team as my team all time, were a competitive team. You know, they had to be (individual brilliance) there, now the actual football is like this (with the whole team working together), no? No individual, no more dependent on one player, or another player. Now we are dependent on the 11 players. This is our idea now," Habas said.

Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC faced each other three times this season, with two clashes in the Durand Cup and one in the Kalinga Super Cup. East Bengal FC emerged victorious twice in these encounters, but Mohun Bagan SG secured a crucial win in the Durand Cup 2023 final. Notably, since their entry into the ISL in 2020, East Bengal FC has yet to defeat Mohun Bagan SG. In past derbies, the Mariners have consistently been considered favourites. (ANI)