Kolkata: Devastated after losing to Chennaiyin FC on 2-4 aggregate in the Indian Super League football semifinals here, Atletico de Kolkata forward Iain Hume on Wednesday blamed the defeat on the lack of work ethic of his team.
Requiring a 3-0 win to overturn their first leg deficit, ATK beat Chennaiyin 2-1 in the semifinals second leg today but that was not enough for them to go through to the finals.
Chennaiyin, who beat ATK 1-0 in the first leg, booked a final berth on 4-2 aggregate.
ATK scored through Dejan Lekic and Hume himself but their hope for a third goal went up in smoke after their former player Fikru Teferra struck an injury time goal to seal a final berth for Chennaiyin.
ATK coach Antonio Habas was furious and was seen shouting at referee Yudai Yamamoto, protesting the alleged unsporting behaviour of the opponents. Habas was later sent off by the referee.
"Refereeing was decent today but it was poor Saturday [first leg]. 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," Hume told the post-match news conference.
Hume said his side tried their best but it was not enough.
"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," he said.
Hume also hailed the huge crowd turnout of 68340 who were cheering for every move by ATK.
"They were unbelievable tonight. They've been brilliant all season. It's like a family like environment."
On his future plans, Hume said: "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."
Elated at the progress his side into their maiden final, Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi credited the entire team for their success.
"I congratulate the whole team right now. They believe in what they're doing. This for me is the biggest satisfaction.
We had a great game," he said.
"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."
Materazzi said the refereeing standard was fine and added his counterpart Habas' remonstration was natural.
"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 don't like to judge him based on today."
Comments
0 comment