Coach Antonio Habas delighted with Atletico de Kolkata's efforts and tactical discipline

Antonio Habas heaped praise on his team and hattrick hero Iain Hume in particular

Atletico de Kolkata revived their faltering campaign with a 4-1 win over an in-form Mumbai City FC in their own backyard. Iain Hume was the star of the show for Atletico de Kolkata as his fine hat-trick powered the Champions past Mumbai City FC.

But Coach Habas was pleased with his side’s overall effort and particularly with the tactical discipline shown by his side.

“I am very happy with the performance of my team today. They put in a tremendous effort today and most importantly I liked the tactical discipline that my players followed for the ninety minutes,” Habas said as he spoke after the game.

The Spaniard believed that his team had been putting in the effort but missed the tactical discipline in their previous three matches. But Habas believed that his team would soon get their act together despite the three setbacks Atletico suffered in their last three games.

“I was always happy with my team. I knew they had the quality to win the matches. The effort was the same, but today was a different day, a different game and my team produced the goods,” said Habas.

Despite the win, Atletico de Kolkata sit just outside the top four positions on goal difference but have five home games in their remaining seven matches. Those games at the Salt Lake stadium give Kolkata more than a hope of making it to the semi-finals, but Coach Habas refused to look too far ahead, focusing on the task at hand.

“My concern is only the next game against NorthEast United. I am looking to get all three points from that game. It is useless to look so far ahead at the moment with seven matches to go and I prefer to take it day by day, match by match,” the Atletico de Kolkata manager said.

Habas praises Iain Hume, says he can even play him in defense

Coach Antonio Habas was extremely pleased with hat-trick hero Iain Hume and hailed his goal scoring prowess. Habas also reinstated his belief in the Canadian, stating he never lost faith in the striker.

“He was fantastic. He always looked threatening. His energy was the key for us upfront and, of course, his goals too. We always believed in him and his abilities and today he proved how good he is,” said the Spanish coach.

Habas continued to heap praise on Hume and stated that his energy and versatility is of a great value to the team, stating he could easily use Hume in the defence as well.

“He is a great player for our team. He can play at right wing, left wing and also in midfield where I prefer him to play. Iain has so much energy that I could also use him as a right back or a left back,” Habas added.