Pune City professionalism attracted me, says coach Habas, announces pre-season in August

FORMER ATLETICO DE KOLKATA COACH Antonio Lopez Habas has said that he did not leave ATK for another ISL franchise FC Pune City for monetary reasons; saying it was the quest for a new challenge and professionalism of the Pune management that drew him there.

Speaking to Bengali newspaper Anandabazar Patrika, Habas said that money has never been the driving force in his career choices,

"I was contacted by multiple clubs in Spain who offered way more money, but I wanted to stay in India. I left ATK to look for new challenges. And I picked Pune because their professionalism won me over. I've been on their radar for a long time."

Habas said that he liked the way the Pune-based franchise had all its logistical arrangements planned out,

"They have their own practice ground. Which means I won't have to go around looking for one like Kolkata. Also, the stadium is right behind the hotel. That saves us time and lets us work better."

The Spanish coach, who won the inaugural ISL and reached the semi-final last year with ATK, said there are many things he will miss about the Kolkata franchise going forward,

"It had become my second family... the management and fans gave me a lot of respect. Also Sourav Ganguly... being a sportsman himself he understood the coach's perspective. I'll miss his positive attitute."

Pune City have not been up to the mark in the two inaugural ISL's, failing to make it to the semi-finals even once. Their main purpose behind hiring Habas was to change that, and the former Valencia coach said he understood that,

"The challenge will be to match the success I got with ATK... most of our team will be picked by 15th May and we are going to start the pre-season on 15th August in Spain."