Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Antonio Lopez Habas is optimistic about securing all three points when his team take on Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.

The Mariners showcased their grit and determination in the Kolkata Derby, scoring a late equalizer through Dimitri Petratos to share the points with East Bengal FC. However, having secured only a single point in their last four ISL matches, Habas’s men are determined to clinch all three points against Hyderabad FC, who have yet to win a game in this campaign.

Habas acknowledges the difficulties of winning every match but asserts that his team, while not overly confident, is ready to compete with all they have to secure the elusive three points and return to winning ways.

“Hyderabad FC have a lot of young players and it’s difficult to win all matches like that because every game has different challenges across 90 minutes. We will compete to win and we have total respect for all the opposition,” Habas said in the pre-match press conference.

Eyes on Hyderabad FC 👀⚡️#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/Mq8mXPNb0b

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) February 9, 2024

The Mariners will be without several key players due to injuries and suspensions, which include Anwar Ali, Brendan Hamill, Deepak Tangri, and Armando Sadiku. However, the 66-year-old head coach does not view this as an excuse. Instead, he believes that with a strong squad, he can field their best starting eleven despite facing difficulties.

“For us, there is no excuse,” he stated.

“We have to field the available players and select the best eleven for the game. I can substitute another player in place of someone who is injured or suspended. We have a strong squad, and my players are well-prepared for the challenge,” Habas added.

The Spaniard emphasized the importance of securing all three points in the forthcoming game, urging his players to display professionalism on the pitch and put an end to their four-match winless streak in the ISL.

“It's necessary for us to win the next three points,” he opined.

“I don't want to get shaky; I don't want to get nervous. I want professionalism. Despite the difficulties the opponents have, they are good professionals. The idea is to get three points,” he signed off.

If we take them lightly, we might get punished: Anirudh Thapa

Anirudh Thapa accompanied his head coach ahead of their next home match against Hyderabad FC. Thapa also praised the opponent’s youngsters for giving their all when given chances.

However, he emphasizes the need to remain cautious regarding the potential threat that these young players can pose.

“I think Hyderabad FC are a good team because of the youngsters (they have). They want to play; they want the game time, and they are fighting for it,” he stated.

“They (young players) might have the motivation to win to prove themselves, and that's how we can see how dangerous they are, and if we take them lightly, obviously, we might get punished. So, we need to be on our toes till the 90th minute, and obviously, we have our plans and strategies,” Thapa concluded.