Need to focus and be consistent in play-offs: Atletico de Kolkata coach Jose Antonio Habas

Atletico de Kolkata had to wait for the last minute for their qualification into the semis to be ensured

Kolkata, Dec 10: Atletico De Kolkata head coach Antonio Lopez Habas says his team played Wednesday's game against FC Goa here as if it was the final and now needed to focus on consistency in the play-offs.

"We are happy that we have finally made to the playoffs and today we played like we were in the finals," said Habas after ATK finished 1-1 with FC Goa to move into the play-off where the two sides will again clash for a place in the final.

He said it was a do or die situation for ATK as losing the match could have cost them a slot in the play-offs.

The former Valencia coach also said from now on they need to focus and be consistent, leaving behind the highs and lows in the tournament so far.

Asked if the penalty decision in the 67th minute from whether Atletico striker Fikru Teferra got the equaliser was a lucky one, Habas said getting a spot kick was not about luck, but about the team earning one.

"Penalty is not lucky, it is because of the team's effort that one gets a decision," said the Spaniard.

On defender Arnab Mondal's injury in the match, Lopez quipped: "We have to wait till tomorrow, just hope it is not serious."

The coach said the games would get tougher now that the tournament has moved into the playoff stage.

Asked about his team's prospects against the Goans, Habas said the next game would not be a cake walk either, but beating ATK now would not be easy.

"We are expecting a tough next game. It would not be easy to beat us though," he said.