Football

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando happy but understands job is not over yet after 5-0 win over Blue Star in the AFC Cup

 

ATK Mohun Bagan brushed aside Sri Lanka’s Blue Star SC 5-0 in the AFC Cup Preliminary Round at the Salt Lake Stadium. Joni Kauko and Manvir Singh scored braces as David Williams also collected a goal in the one sided drubbing.

After the match, head coach Juan Ferrando highlighted how the first 20 minutes were a struggle for the Mariners as the visitors put some real pressure on them. They also struggled to find spaces to create chances. “To be honest, in the first period it was difficult for us to find the spaces, as they were good in the first 20 minutes. For us, it was important to control the transitions, as it was difficult in the first half for us. But, the supporters helped a lot in the difficult moments. The weather wasn’t so easy, but I’m happy for the work of the players.”

ATK Mohun Bagan played really well and Ferrando’s tactics and players selection worked like a charm. But even then the Spaniard was not completely happy as he feels that this roster can achieve a lot more things. He even admitted that he has the best squad and feels it is tough to get back up and running after a month’s break since the ISL.

“Like a coach, I’m never completely happy. I know the level of the players, in my point of view, I have the best squad. But, it’s normal. After one month since the last game against Hyderabad FC, it’s difficult to come back and start to play perfectly.

“I understand we had some moments, but I know this team has a lot of power and energy and can play faster in moments, work hard in transitions into defence,” the Spaniard adds.

Young custodian Arsh Shaikh started the match for ATK Mohun Bagan in place of Amrinder Singh. Although he did not feature much, Ferrando shared details about Amrinder Singh and revealed that the custodian was fully fit and comfortable to start so he decided to go without him as he doe snot want to risk a player’s well being.

Roy Krishna missed this game due to personal reasons and Ferrando is comfortable playing without him as he feels that every one of the players are looking ahead for opportunities and he shared how he has complete trust in David Wiliiams’ ability as a forward.

Lastly, the Spanish tactician shared how the match against Abahani Dhaka will be a tricky one as he focuses on pressing. He understands that it will be a much more difficult match than this one and breaking up their press can be a real challenge for the Mariners. “They are a compact team, they don’t play 3-4 players in attack and others in defence. We need to pay attention in pressing as we need to keep the ball. We must work hard to sustain the press and move the ball forward. It’s not so easy, but we need to work hard to win the next match,” Juan Ferrando concluded.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Shubman Gill says India would be disappointed if they don’t play the WTC final

Indian captain Shubman Gill said they would be disappointed if they don’t qualify for the… Read More

October 2, 2025

IND vs WI 2025: Jasprit Bumrah becomes joint fastest Indian pacer to 50 wickets at home

India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has become the joint fastest Indian pacer to take… Read More

October 2, 2025

Ravindra Jadeja says he would be happy to contribute as a vice-captain in IND vs WI Tests

India’s veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja revealed he was not told by the team management regarding… Read More

October 2, 2025

Next 2-3 Years, you will play for India: Abhishek Sharma recalls conversation with mentor Yuvraj Singh

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma recalled how mentor Yuvraj Singh lifted his morale when he was… Read More

October 2, 2025

‘Spoke to Tendulkar and Steve Smith before England series’: Shubman Gill reveals advice from them

Indian captain Shubman Gill revealed he spoke to Sachin Tendulkar and Steve Smith before the… Read More

October 2, 2025

Abhishek Sharma reveals how Suryakumar Yadav backed him in T20I team after Asia Cup success

India’s opener Abhishek Sharma revealed captain Suryakumar Yadav backed him to the hilt when he… Read More

October 2, 2025