League leaders Atlético de Kolkata were confident of extending their unbeaten start to the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), after three wins and three draws from their first six matches. However, Antonio López Habas’ side suffered a surprise setback, falling 3-1 to FC Pune City despite having home advantage. The loss loosens Kolkata’s grip on first place in the league standings, with second-placed Chennaiyin FC two points behind having played two fewer games. Head coach Habas was not too perturbed by the defeat, however, stating that wins and losses are all part of the game. “That is how football is,” the Spanish manager said philosophically at the post-match press conference.Habas chose to focus on his side’s form prior to this match, expressing confidence that this loss would be a momentary blip. “We have only lost one match so far,” Habas reminded the onlookers. He went on to add, “We are playing good football, so we are not worried about the competition. We are still fighting and winning.”Questioned whether Denzil Franco’s injury-induced absence affected his defence against Pune, Habas was quick to brush off the suggestion, pointing to his squad’s depth. “We have other defenders as well in the team, so it is not a problem.”With the Pune defeat being their seventh match, Atlético de Kolkata have reached the halfway point of their league campaign having played four home games and three away. Their next two games are also at home, after which they will play a succession of games on the road. Habas asserted that this would not be an issue, especially given his side have won two and drawn one of their three away games so far. “We are professional footballers. We know the format of the tournament, so we don’t worry about playing away matches.”
