Atlético de Kolkata head coach Antonio López Habas is focussing only on their next game against Delhi Dynamos FC in the national capital on Tuesday, despite his side being on the brink of qualifying for the semi-finals. Habas is choosing not to worry about qualification, preferring to take a game-by-game approach. At the pre-match press conference, Habas shared his thoughts about the upcoming match. “Our previous encounter with Delhi was our third game and it was their second game. Both teams have played many games since then, but we are still expecting the same tough game from the Delhi side. They are a good team and I like the way they play. This is an important game for us and we will try to get the three points.” The Spanish gaffer conceded that statistically his team has had the lowest shots on goals. However, he remarked, “In spite of the lowest shots on goals, we rank second on the total number of goals scored in the league. Our job is to attack as well as defend. The chances we create, we score goals from those, and that’s what is important. We have the best team in this league to score goals.” Two of Kolkata’s remaining three games are away fixtures, but Habas did not consider this to be an obstacle. “Our players are professional and we don’t worry about playing home or away,” emphasised Habas. “We perform in the same way, whether home or away. Getting the three points, that’s what is important.” Habas confirmed that the absence of striker Fikru Teferra Lemessa due to suspension was a factor in the side’s four-game winless run earlier in the season. He added, “After Fikru returned, the performance of the team improved.” The head coach also confirmed that defender Denzil Franco and midfielder Cavin Lobo remain sidelined due to injury concerns. Habas hopes that Lobo, who is currently not even travelling with the squad, will join them soon.
