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Xtra Time Web Desk: Will the remote control of the Indian football team be handed to the most successful coach of the ISL, Antonio López Habas? Only time will tell if the former Mohun Bagan coach will take the hot seat as the national team coach. However, sources say that the former green-and-maroon coach has already applied to become the coach of the Indian team.

The Indian team has been a complete failure in the World Cup qualifying phase, not even reaching the third round. The federation has sacked Igor Stimac. There was considerable tension between the Croatian coach and the AIFF. Who will sit in the chair he vacated? The federation has already advertised for a new coach. After seeing the advertisement, Antonio López Habas has applied to become the national team's head coach. When contacted by XtraTime.In, the Spanish coach confirmed that he has applied for the head coach position but did not want to elaborate on when he applied.

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Antonio Habas is a well-known name in Indian football. He is also one of the most successful coaches in the ISL. Under his coaching, Mohun Bagan won the league shield in last season's ISL. Besides that, he has won the ISL title multiple times. He has an in-depth understanding of Indian football. The federation wants to appoint someone who has a clear grasp of Indian football.

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The AIFF has set several conditions for the applicants for the coach's position. The team must perform well in the AFC Asian Cup, SAFF Championship, and the World Cup qualifying rounds. Additionally, the U-23 Indian team must deliver an impressive performance in the 2026 Asian Games. However, the federation is looking for a coach with experience in coaching a national team. Habas has previously coached the Bolivian national team. He brings with him a wealth of experience, having coached at prestigious clubs in Spain. Habas has applied for the national team's head coach position. It remains to be seen if he ultimately takes charge of the team and leads players like Gurpreet Singh, Sandesh Jhingan on the field.