Antonio Lopez Habas. File photo: IANSKolkata: Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) coach Antonio Lopez Habas on Wednesday said his team needs to play intelligently against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) first-leg semifinal at Pune on Saturday.
"We will have to play intelligently against Chennai. They are a very competitive team, so we have to give our best there," Habas told reporters here.
The Spaniard believes playing at a neutral venue would not be much of an advantage as the opponent remains the same. The match was shifted to Pune due to the recent Chennai flood that played havoc with arrangements in the affected city.
"For us playing in Pune or Chennai it is the same. The opponent is the same, Chennaiyin FC. We have to play against a good side, it will be a difficult game," he said.
Asked if the Balewadi stadium would be a problem because of the smaller size of the ground, Habas said: "Maybe, small ground will affect us a bit, but then we cannot concentrate on it. Our focus will be on our opponents and how to win the match. It is an opportunity to do well and go into the second-leg."
The former Valencia coach did not choose to speak about Chennaiyin midfielder Elano Blumer who will miss the tie due to bookings.
Atletico head into the encounter at the back of a 2-3 defeat against Mumbai City FC in their last group match, but Habas believes the loss has helped them recover their attitude.
"The loss helped us recover our attitude. We are now absolutely focussed on Chennaiyin," he said.
Chennaiyin have been beaten twice this season by Atletico, however, the coach says he doesnot believe much in "history or statistics."
"I have a good feeling about the team. There is team spirit and everything is settled. We need to play balanced football," he said.
Habas also lauded the efforts of Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi who has helped his side win four back to back games to qualify for the knockouts.
"Materazzi has been fantastic with the things he has done with the team," he concluded.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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