When we talk about the most successful head coaches in Indian Super League (ISL) history, the name that comes to mind at the top of the list is none other than Antonio Lopez Habas.

Habas is quite a familiar face in the ISL community and in Indian football too. A vastly experienced 68-year-old head coach joined the league in the inaugural season in 2014, and since then has experienced different successful stints at almost every club.

The Spaniard, with his pragmatic approach, tactical astuteness, and winning mentality, has set the tone and let his work speak louder than words, leaving an indelible impact that defines an era of excellence.

Early impact, early glory

Habas led ATK FC to their first-ever ISL Cup in 2014 and etched his name in league folklore. His man management and tactical acumen were on point as the Spaniard wasted no time in stamping his authority.

In his second season in the league, Habas maintained consistency as the Kolkata-based side qualified for the ISL 2015 playoffs for successive seasons but succumbed to a defeat against Chennaiyin FC in the semi-final. The Spanish head coach further took charge of FC Pune City in 2016 but couldn’t make it to the top four this time.

Return to ISL, Cup triumph, and heartbreak

Habas made his way back to ISL as he returned to ATK FC in 2019 for his second stint. His impact was evident as he guided the team to the ISL Cup for the third time, overcoming a poor stretch of performances in the previous season.

In the following season, Habas was at the helm of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and expectations were palpable. The Spaniard didn’t let down the Mariners’ faithful as they produced a brilliant performance in their debut ISL season with 40 points from 20 games, but missed the silverware by a whisker as they lost the League Shield race against Mumbai City FC and also suffered a 1-2 loss against the Islanders in the ISL Cup final.

Despite Habas continuing with MBSG in the 2021-22 season, a four-match winless streak saw him part ways with the club.

Completes the arc, League Shield winners

This time, Habas’ return with the Mariners was nothing but a statement. The ISL League Shield was the only missing piece of ISL silverware in his cabinet, and the Spanish head coach accomplished his unfinished business by clinching the Shield with MBSG in the 2023-24 season.

When Habas took charge in January 2024, the situation was quite the same as when he left in 2021. Under Juan Ferrando, MBSG suffered successive defeats and went through a rough patch that made way for Habas.

The Spanish mastermind revived the Mariners’ faltering campaign, and his presence on the sidelines worked as a catalyst for the Kolkata giants. His return fueled MBSG's Shield hunt as the Mariners went unbeaten in 11 league games to script a spirited comeback.

Though MBSG couldn’t complete the ISL double following their defeat to Mumbai City FC in the ISL Cup final, they finally won their elusive League Shield in the 2023-24 season.

Unlike some coaches who prioritise aesthetic, possession-based football, Habas has been a staunch believer in a result-oriented approach. Defensive solidity, tactical discipline, and sharp counter-attacking prowess were the qualities that became identical in the Spaniard’s system, as Habas has proved his mettle time and again.

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Mohun Bagan Super Giant2024-2025 Antonio Habas