Veteran Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas is determined to return to the Indian Super League (ISL), a competition he has won twice. But this time, he aims to reach the top division in Indian men's football by gaining promotion from the second division, the I-League.

Mohammedan SC gained promotion last season, and RoundGlass Punjab achieved it the season before that. Habas aims to do it this season with Inter Kashi, one of the four clubs with a realistic chance to win the I-League and qualify for the top division as champions.

The I-League title race has entered an exciting phase with two rounds left. Churchill Brothers FC are the favourites, sitting at the top with 38 points from 20 rounds. Inter and Real Kashmir are level on 35 points, while Kozhikode-based Gokulam Kerala are fourth on 34 points.

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Churchill and Inter clash on March 30, which is arguably the most important match in the title race. Churchill have a game against Real Kashmir on the final day of the league phase on April 6, when Inter host Rajasthan United.

"I'm 100% confident in my team and 100% confident in our possibilities (to win the league)," Habas said in an interaction with SSEN, the broadcasters.

Should Habas succeed in delivering the I-League title, he will return to the ISL, a competition he has been familiar with since its inception in 2014. Habas was the inaugural champion with ATK, defeating Kerala Blasters in the final.

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The Spaniard won the title again with the same franchise in 2019-20 and secured the ISL Winner's Shield with Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2023-24. Along with Sergio Lobera, who had success with Mumbai City and FC Goa, Habas is the most decorated head coach in the ISL.

Habas attributed his success in India to his work ethic and philosophy that was imparted by a legendary Spanish manager. "I had a good teacher in Luis Aragones, who was my coach in Atletico de Madrid, one of the best Spanish coaches in history," Habas said.

On the second division and how he finds working in it different from the ISL, Habas said: "If you love your profession, the situation in one competition or another is the same."

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