Hero Indian Super League’s (ISL) longest-serving coach Antonio Lopez Habas brought the curtains down on his stint with the league after he parted ways with FC Pune City.The Spaniard, who won the inaugural season in 2014 with Atlético de Kolkata (ATK), was the only coach who was present across the first three editions of the league. Known for his defensive tactics, Habas used it to great effect especially during his two successful seasons with ATK. After becoming the first manager to lift the ISL trophy, the 60-year-old then guided the Kolkata-based team into the semi-finals for the second successive season, where they narrowly missed out on another final appearance.Habas’ meticulous and tactical mindset earned him plaudits and FC Pune City roped him in for the third season of the ISL. He could not replicate a similar success story here though, as a few results towards the fag end of the season went against his team, which made them finish sixth.However, he was a person who knew how to grind out results. Even when his team was on the backfoot, he would know exactly what pieces to play, and seemed to be someone who would always have a trump card up his sleeve.A classic example would be the 2014 ISL final played between Atlético de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters FC at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. For the entire 90 minutes, Habas’ team had played second fiddle. Only some robust defending and splendid goalkeeping kept their opponents from scoring. Come the 74th minute though, and he masterminded the perfect substitution. Mohammed Rafi gave way to Mohammed Rafique and the substitute who is known to be very strong with aerial balls, headed in the winner from a corner at the brink of full-time.Such was Habas’ understanding towards the game that, given the right set of players, he could get a result on his day using each player to his full potential.Upon announcing his departure from FC Pune City, he said, “It was a very professional and pleasant experience working with FC Pune City in the ISL. However, due to a longer season, it is unfortunate that I cannot continue as I have already made prior contractual commitments. I would like to thank the owners, management and the Orange Army who have stood by the team in the best and the worst moments. I wish the club all the best for the future.”We would like to thank Antonio Habas for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.https:/t.co/40vj2d3HrS— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) September 15, 2017The ISL wishes Antonio Habas the best in his future endeavours as well.
