Pune coach Habas won't be on the bench due to 4 game ban from last year
GRAPPLING WITH PLAYER FITNESS and availability has become first and foremost of the many problems to deal with for all ISL teams in the past two seasons of the ISL. This year being no different. But for FC Pune City, they have another problem of "availability" to tackle. It's that of the "availability" of their manager, Antonio Habas. Though the Spainaird, is available to the team, the four match suspension does not permit him to be seated in the dug-out with the team.
The first MAHA-DERBY or Maharashtra derby of the ISL 3, a fight between two teams that have not impressed many with their performances, will be worth a watch with their new signings. With his animated behaviour in his technical area, Habas is no new candidate to be handed suspensions for misconduct. The latest one being carried on from last year's semi final defeat to Chennaiyin FC.
Habas has a history of behavioural problems going back to 2014 where the FC Pune City manager was involved in a half time altercation withe Robert Pires of FC Goa in the inaugural edition of ISL. He was slapped with a fine of 5 lakh rupees and a four match suspension which was later reduced to two matches after an appeal. A team manager brings in a lot of energy with his physical presence at the touch lines. The technical area being close to the bench and the touch line gives the manager ease of access to quickly relay instructions for a change in tactical move. Assistant manager Miguel would be in charge to shoulder the responsibility of Habas for the first four games.
Pune City have had their share of problems with Gudjohnsen and Bikey out for ISL 3 but have managed to get hold of Sissoko in time to become their marquee. Sissoko has worked under Habas in the past at Villareal. Same goes for Arata Izumi who had a successful season together at ATK, shows Habas has a knack of keeping his coached products close to him to utilise their abilities to strengthening the squad.
With almost a total new set of players being able to deliver a 100% winning pre season under a new manager shows the team is laces-tightened and ready to go all out to give their best.
