FC Pune City appoint Antonio Habas as manager

Habas was associated with Atletico de Kolkata in the first two editions of the ISL, leading them to the play-offs in both editions and to the title in the inaugural edition. However, the former Bolivian national team coach did not have the best of relationships with the team, management and parted company with the side after leading Atletico de Kolkata to the play-off in the last edition.

"I'm very happy to be here. Thank you. My philosophy is simple. We have to win. Have a consolidated group, have tactical discipline and be a family,” said Antonio Lopez Habas at the press-meet.

FC Pune City CEO Gaurav Modwel confirmed that the club have retained the services of goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya, defender Dharmaraj Ravanan, Gourmangi Singh and midfielders Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Lenny Rodrigues for ISL 2016.

“We have retained Arindam, Gouramangi, Ravanan, Lenny and Eugeneson. And we have signed on 4 more Indian players,” said Modwel.

Pune City finished seventh in the last edition of the Indian Super League and were managed by former England International David Platt. Although the team started well in the tournament, they fizzled away after suffering away defeats. The Stallions had earlier finished sixth with Franco Colomba at the helm in the inaugural edition.