Our performance against Abahani Dhaka showed improvement – Juan Ferrando after ATK Mohun Bagan qualify for group stages of AFC Cup

ATK Mohun Bagan sealed their place in the group stages of the AFC Cup after they bested Bangladesh club Abahani Dhaka by 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Tuesday. The team’s gaffer Juan Ferrando was delighted with the team’s performance and said they came up with a much more improved show.

The Mariners had beaten Sri Lankan side Blue Star FC by 5-0 last week and the Spaniard feels it was imperative for his team to not get complacent against Abahani Dhaka after their big win.

ATK Mohun Bagan talisman David Williams stole the show as he scored a magnificent hat-trick as the Australian found the back of the net in the 6th, 30th, and 85ht minute of the game.

Daniel Colindres scored in the 61st minute for the tourists but it was not enough for them.

Sharing his thoughts after the game, the Spaniard said, “In the first half, we had a lot of chances but after 2-1, it was a difficult moment for the team in positional attack but then after the 3-1 it was much better. I’m happy because we are in the group stages as that was our target.”

Ferrando added that he is someone who is never completely happy but he feels it was an improved performance from his team.

He added, “Well, I think I’m never completely happy but for me, it’s good because maybe you are up 2-0 or down 2-0, you can change the score in 90 minutes there exists a lot of plans and feelings of the team. For me today, the team improved. When you win 5-0, the team can think okay everything is good but for me after 2-1, of course, the supporters are scared but as a coach, I know this situation improved a lot in this club and this team.”

Ferrando admitted it is difficult for him to pick a final XI for the match out of the 28-member squad as all the players are strong.

He concluded, It’s just difficult for me when 28 players are working here and at the end you’ll make a decision about the lineup. All the reporters in every press conference talk about our very good squad. Of course, sometimes I’m not happy when I make decisions about the lineup but this is football. I try to find the best lineup for the team. Sometimes I’m upset because there are a lot of injuries. In this case it is difficult. But it’s a problem when you have six-seven players out of the lineup. This is a problem for me. But about the opponents for me and I trusted my team and it is not a problem.”

ATK Mohun Bagan will now be placed in Group D of the AFC Cup alongside Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh, Maziya of the Maldives and Hero I-League champions Gokulam Kerala.