Must use Kerala atmosphere for our motivation: Mohun Bagan SG's Antonio Habas
Antonio Habas ready to give the supporters a show as Mohun Bagan SG takes on Kerala Blasters FC
Mohun Bagan Super Giant's Antonio Habas is keen to come out on top in the duel against Ivan Vukomanovic's Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Wednesday during Matchweek 19 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24.
Antonio Habas and his boys are set to travel to Kochi on the back of a brilliant Derby win. Mohun Bagan SG have not lost a game after the mid-season takeover by Habas, winning four out of their last five matches.
The Mariners stand atop the ISL points table with 36 points after 17 games with another five matches in hand. At the same time, Kerala Blasters FC under Ivan Vukomanovic has struggled to find their footing since the last international break.
The Blasters sit fifth in the points table with 29 points after 17 matches, losing four out of their last five matches.
Habas spoke about how Kerala has always been difficult for the away teams because of their supporters, yet he is prepared to turn it into a motivating factor for the Mariners.
"Yes, good atmosphere. We have to use this atmosphere for our motivation, not only for the motivation of Kerala Blasters FC," Habas said during the pre-match press conference.
"We have to change the role. It's good to play again. Many people, many spectators. It's good supporters, good fans. I have a good memory of Kerala. For a professional player, it's fantastic. It's better than to play (with) 1000 people on the terrace. We are professional, for us it's fantastic. Use the atmosphere for our motivation," he added.
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When asked if being on top of the league table after playing catch-up for a long time adds extra pressure on the team, the coach replied, "The table position is no pressure for us.".
"We don't have many objectives or targets in a long time. The target for us has to be the next match, the next match in Kerala. No more. Because it's too much pressure for the player and too much pressure for the staff, we don't want the maximum pressure. We need the minimum pressure," he added.
If we play we have to win golden gloves: Vishal Kaith
Vishal Kaith performed brilliantly in the previous Kolkata Derby match, where he made an exuberant penalty save and contributed to Mohun Bagan SG's victory.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper has been in excellent form this season, having made 33 saves in 17 games and maintaining an impressive 63% save ratio throughout.
The keeper spoke about his thoughts on possibly taking home the Golden Gloves two seasons in a row in the ISL.
"I think every keeper has a dream. If we play we have to win golden gloves. If you win a shield, if you win in a league, if you have golden gloves, you feel more happy," he stated as the press conference came to a close.
