Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata were knocked out of the Hero Indian Super League on Wednesday, despite their 2-1 victory in the second leg of the semi final as Chennaiyin went on to win the tie 4-2 on aggregate.
The post mach press conference took quite some time to start after Atletico de Kolkata coach Antonio Lopez Habas was sent off in the dying embers of the game due to his incessant complaining and manhandling of the fourth official.
Atletico de Kolkataa s top scorer Iain Hume was present alongside assistant coach Bastab Roy to do the media duties for the team, wherein the Canadian rued the lack of work ethic from their opponents ahead of their goal.
a Refereeing was decent today but it was poor on Saturday.
a It’s been up and down the whole season. The end of the game was ruined by lack of (work) ethic. We’re devastated not going into the final.a
On making the semis
Hume, though, was happy that they team could prove their critics wrong especially after their loss of form in the mid season but rued that their poor performance in the first leg cost them the tie.
a We worked hard so hard today. We were the best team from the start. We played as we had nothing to lose and the coach (Habas) told us to remain positive. We’re a great group of guys, the coach put together a good side. We’re one of the most attractive teams this season, and were the first to make playoff. It’s a pleasure to be with them,a
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Highest attendance of the season
Despite trailing 3-0 from the first leg, Atletico witnessed their highest turnout of the season as 68340 people cheered the Red and Whites. Both the Canadian and Chennaiyin manager Marco Materazzi praised the crowd
Hume said: a They were unbelievable tonight. Theya ve been brilliant all season. Ita s like a family like environment.a
While Hume was uncertain about what the future holds for him, he expressed his desire to return to next edition of the tournament.a No idea. This season is not finished yet. Stats show, I had a very good season. I enjoyed it. ISL has been one of the most enjoyable seasons of my career. I had a very fruitful season.a
No pressure in Final
Meanwhile Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi expressed his relief to qualify for the final, after managing to see through the nervy affair. a I congratulate the whole team right now. They believe in what theya re doing. This for me is the biggest satisfaction. We had a great game.
a I always knew we had the potential. We just had to come out good at certain points. Now, we have to enjoy the final as the boys deserve to be in there.a
While Materazzi eloquently sidestepped the questions regarding Habasa red card and the refereeing a The referee really did a great job under pressure. Habas might have lost a bit of control but that happens. He also wants to win. I have great opinion about him. I dont like to judge him based on today.a
Image Courtesy: ISL Media