After a disappointing finish to the 2018-19 ISL season, two-time champions ATK have brought back Antonio Habas for a second spell as Head Coach.
The Spaniard replaces Steve Coppell who was not able to make an impact at ATK this season. The former England and Crystal Palace manager led ATK to a sixth-place finish which meant the play-offs were out of bounds.
Antonio Habas helped ATK to the first of their two ISL titles in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League in 2014. After two seasons with ATK, he moved to FC Pune City in 2016. However, amidst reports of conflict with the management, he left the Stallions a few months later.
Apart from extensive experience in the ISL, the 61-year-old Habas has coached the Bolivian national team and the Spanish clubs Valencia, Granada and Celta Vigo. Retiring at the age of 29 as a top division La Liga footballer, Antonio has 30 years of experience in football management.
Habas’ aggressive demeanor has earned him many fans in Kolkata and his appointment follows the signing of East Bengal forward Joby Justin and retention of key players Manuel Lanzarote, Edu Garcia and John Johnson by ATK.
I am very proud to be the Head Coach of ATK. 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 when we aspire to compete hard and add to the professional growth of the club. Many thanks to ATK for showing their confidence in me yet again.
Antonio López Habas
I am glad to welcome back our new Head Coach, Antonio López Habas to the ATK family. I wish him all the best to carry our two-time championship legacy forward.
He is an exceptional manager and I am hopeful Habas will lead the way for ATK with his unique strategies and his enthusiasm.
Sanjiv Goenka, Owner, ATK
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