The biggest and the most frequently posed question for Atlético de Kolkata is whether they would be able to retain their Hero Indian Super League title for the second consecutive time. However, the pressure goes beyond a mere question for coach Antonio Lopez Habas and debutant marquee signing Helder Postiga as they addressed the pre-match press conference on Friday.

“I don’t want to talk about the ‘defending champions’ tag. I want to talk about winning every game and getting three points from every game, day by day. The past is the past,” said Habas.The Spaniard and his Armada together ride on the back of the 2014 title win, but there are some issues that a coach faces nonetheless. “It always feels fantastic, when we start a new competition and a new season. But the problem for a coach is to give the first eleven because every player asks one question ‘why I cannot play’. Nonetheless, there is a fantastic feeling within the team,” Habas said.

Habas cannot help but stress the need for a well fleshed-out pre-season strategy. “Pre-season is very important fundamentally because you can raise the new players. You can make them play with foreign players. It is more important for me to know about the player, his style of play and the idea of player.”

The Segovia sessions were crafted meticulously, with an effort to have a lasting impact. “In the pre-season we can develop the players physically because we don’t have any time during the competition. We have to play games throughout the week.”

Continuing on that note, Postiga chipped in, “One of the best things is the team coaching. I think the future is good for Indian football. I know the Indian players. I’ve worked with them for one month now.”

After being the mainstay for several European clubs, Postiga comes to the Indian subcontinent with heaps of experience and a fresh take on our style of football. “Atlético [de Kolkata] players are fantastic. Indian football can be better in the next few years. I wanted to do some different things in football. Playing in India is a challenge for me.”

Leaving behind the laurels of the last season, the Kolkata team’s coach wanted to approach Season 2015 with a new vigour. “We have a competitive game ahead tomorrow. Now, we have to get a competitive team. It is not important for me to play with one striker or two strikers. I want the team to perform well, stay disciplined and show commitment,” Habas concluded.