Juan Ferrando: Finishing issues are not a problem

The ATK Mohun Bagan boss also spoke about the fanfare despite the FIFA World Cup going on.

ATK Mohun Bagan picked up a vital 1-0 win over Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) on Saturday. A solitary goal from Hugo Boumous in the first half was enough to help Juan Ferrando's side to get back to winning ways and move into the ISL top-four, as well as three points behind the league leaders.

Ferrando not carried away!

Ferrando was pleased with the win, but isn’t getting carried away with his side’s chances of winning the ISL league stages after they moved closer to the top spot. He said: “Honestly I’m thinking about the Bengaluru game now. It’s not good to think about the final goal now. For us, it’s about winning the next target against Bengaluru. It’s important for the players to have won today because it helped them recognize the power of the team because we have injuries. The likes of Kiyan, Ashique and Hnamte supported the team a lot and worked hard. We will prepare for the Bengaluru FC game now.”

Worried about team's scoring?

The Mariners again missed a number of prominent chances which could’ve put the game to bed early on. When asked about whether he’s worried about his side’s finishing issues, the Spaniard explained: “We got the three points and won. I hope to miss chances every game if it helps get three points. The problem is, if you have 20 chances to score and lose the match. You can’t criticize the players about finishing issues right now. The team is amazing, to have won the match against a team like Hyderabad – who have been working in the last three years in the same way with players like Borja, Joao Victor and Ogbeche is amazing. Finishing issues are not a problem.”

Piling list of injured players

Manvir Singh got injured in the game, piling on the injury list that also includes Dimitri Petratos after he got injured in training. Asked about his side’s injury troubles, Juan Ferrando said: “It’s difficult as Joni is out for the season, Tiri is recovering and Petratos – we’ll see. He got injured in the last training. Pogba is out, Manvir we’ll see. We have some players with some knocks right now. That’s a part of football. We have a good squad. If Manvir isn’t ready, Kiyan is there and if not him, then we have Fardin and if not him, we have Rana.”

Transfer market activity in January

When questioned on if his side have started planning for January transfers, the ATKMB boss said:

“It’s about talking in the future. Now is the moment when you talk about the Bengaluru match. After 2-3 matches when we realize the injury table or players are tried, then we’ll find the players needed to get in. These decisions will be taken after 3-4 weeks.”

On Ashique Kuruniyan and Asish Rai's performance

Ashique Kuruniyan was one of the Mariners’ best players against Hyderabad FC and Asish Rai also produced an impressive performance. Reflecting on their performances, he said: “For both players, it’s the first season with us. They had to undergo a lot of changes. It’s not the same pressure when you play in Hyderabad and Bengaluru as when you play for us. It’s different. We use these players in different positions and they must work in this way. I think it’s difficult for them to work in this team, because the first time with new teammates. All the matches played here are under pressure, be it Durand Cup, AFC Cup or the league games. I trust them 100%. The performances of all the players will be so good with every game.”

Fan-fest at Salt Lake Stadium despite FIFA World Cup

Finally, he spoke about the fact that 26,000 fans turned up to the ground to watch the game during the World Cup fever. Ferrando said: “Honestly, we know is to play football for our supporters. I hope we get to see a lot of supporters in all of the games. Of course, sometimes its difficult because emotions are hard to control. But in the end, you play football for that reason – to entertain the supporters and the crowd.”

Subhasish Bose's words

Subhashish Bose was named as Man of the Match for his impressive performance. Speaking on his side’s defensive effort, he said: “In the match, the mentality of the players was positive. We decided that if we scored just one goal, we had to keep the clean sheet. Starting from Liston Colaco to Vishal Kaith, everyone gave their 100%. The fact that we got a clean sheet after taking the lead early is something to be proud of.”

Moreover, when asked how it feels to win back-to-back Man of the Match awards for the last two ATKMB home games, he said: “I always come onto the ground to give my best performance. I won’t take the credit, I’ll give it to the team. The fact that the team supported me has helped me do this. I target to get to the top of the table and become champions.”