Pune: Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Pune City made their first big announcement of 2016 season by confirming Antonio Lopez Habas as their head coach.
The man himself - Antonio Lopez Habas. The new manager of @FCPuneCity #KarPunekar pic.twitter.com/na7wxkS0ZP
— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) April 25, 2016
The 58-year-old, who’s had a successful run in the ISL with Atletico de Kolkata (ATK), will replace Englishman David Platt.
The announcement you have all been waiting for! #WelcomeHabas #KarPunekar pic.twitter.com/jWl56OzS23
— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) April 25, 2016
Speaking at the introduction of Habas, Gaurav Modwel, CEO of FC Pune City said, “To be the best, you have to bring the best. Antonio’s track record in the Indian Super League speaks volumes of his capabilities. We are here to give him what he wants so he can give us what we want, i.e. the ISL trophy.”
"I'm very happy to be here. Thank you." Short, sweet and precise from the head coach - Antonio Lopez Habas #WelcomeHabas #KarPunekar
— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) April 25, 2016
The Spaniard has a wealth of experience in coaching across Spain, South America and Africa besides spending last two seasons with ISL.
"My philosophy is simple. We have to win. Have a consolidated group, have tactical discipline and be a family" says the Gaffer #WelcomeHabas
— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) April 25, 2016
Expressing his joy on joining FC Pune City, Habas said, “The commitment of the (FC Pune City) management for having me as a part of the club and all its planning from the beginning was one of the primary reasons for me to join. This certainly is one of the most professionally managed clubs in the league and changing their fortunes will be a challenge that I am eagerly looking forward to.”
"We have to have a winning mentality. I have to convince the players immediately that we are going to win" says Coach Habas #WelcomeHabas
— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) April 25, 2016
"The Indian players have talent. The problem is the lack of academies for the younger players" says Coach Habas #WelcomeHabas #KarPunekar
— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) April 25, 2016
In his two years in league, Habas led the ATK to a championship in 2014 and a final four spot in 2015.
"We have retained Arindam, Gouramangi, Ravanan, Lenny and Euegenson. And we have signed on 4 more Indian players" says @gauravmodwel
— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) April 25, 2016
Coach Habas takes questions from the Media alongside our fitness coach Miguel and CEO @gauravmodwel. #KarPunekar pic.twitter.com/27q2i4IbR0
— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) April 25, 2016
Co-owner Hrithik Roshan was delighted to have Habas on board. “The club is continuing to move forward and Habas’ appointment shows the commitment of the club to achieve success in the new season,” said Hrithik.
Here is a special message for our Gaffer and all our fans; from our co-owner and megastar @iHrithik #KarPunekar pic.twitter.com/TgLyoWz4g2
— FC Pune City (@FCPuneCity) April 25, 2016
