ATK's success due to hard work, discipline, stint in Spain: Antonio Habas

Defending champions ATK, unbeaten from five matches, have qualified for the semi-finals.

Kolkata: The mantra to success for reigning champions Atletico de Kolkata has been a combination of hard work, discipline and rigorous training in Spain, coach Antonio Habas said after they became the first team to make the semifinals of ISL-2, beating Pune City FC 4-1 here on Friday.

"It's a combination of discipline, hard work and talent. This is the magic, nothing else. We have worked in Spain for about a month which is working. The mental state of the squad is good and positive," Habas told reporters after their splendid win at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan.

Iain Hume struck his second hat-trick of the season while Dejan Lekic scored another.

Showering praise on Hume, he said: "He has been fantastic and brings a lot of positive energy to the side. But I don't want to pick any player for me everyone is same."

This was their third consecutive win and ATK are unbeaten from five matches. Habas credited the turnaround to his boys' positive attitude.

"We're happy to be in the playoffs. We have to continue playing this way. In the semifinals it's a different story. it's not a regular league but I'm not thinking too far. For me it's about the (our last league) match against Mumbai (December 4)."

"I don't want to talk about it. I cannot choose my opponents. I've to wait."

"The team is mentally up. We're getting confident everyday. This is football. You lose one game and you win one. The opponents hit the post thrice... This is football. My job is to motivate the team even in win and loss," Habas said.