Health more important than football: ATK coach Antonio Lopez Habas

Fatorda: ATK head coach Antonio Lopez Habas on Friday hailed the decision of the organizers to hold the Indian Super League final behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak, saying the health of all concerned is more important than football.

An advisory from the Sports Ministry on Thursday asked all national federations to ensure any sporting event in India is conducted without spectators. Abiding by that, ISL organizers were forced to hold the summit clash behind closed doors, a first for the league which started in 2014.

“It (spread of Coronavirus) is a problem in the world and we have to respect the decision because it is a good decision that is more important than football and for the safety of the people,” Habas told reporters on the eve of the final. “We would love to have the support and it is different to play without supporters but we have to be a professional to play like this,” added the Spaniard who guided ATK to the title in the inaugural 2014 season.

Chennaiyin FC’s Irish coach Owen Coyle echoed Habas, saying that playing in front of an empty stadium might seem ‘surreal’ but these are unforeseen circumstances and you can only abide by the advisories.

“There may be moments where it may seem surreal but ultimately we abide by the decision of the health and safety department. We have no issues with that. When you are on the field, it is going to be 11 versus 11,” said Coyle who dragged the team out of the bottom of the table to reach the final since joining in December.

Asked whether motivating players is a challenge when a final has no spectators, he said there cannot be an any better reason to motivate oneself than a chance to win a record third title.

“As much as the fans (not being there) and everything else, ATK is not going to get any less dangerous. We still have to focus on doing the job because if you’re not, those players are going to punish you. I think in terms of the motivation, there no bigger motivation than to be the champions,” he added.

“The league has made the right decision. We have to do a job and play football. It’s always great to play in front of fans but it is the right decision keeping everybody’s health in mind,” ATK captain and star Fiji striker Roy Krishna said. Chennaiyin skipper Lucian Goian echoed Krishna: “We have to respect the decision. Health is a priority.” IANS

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