Juan Ferrando sheds light on Gallego’s possible start against Odisha

The ATK Mohun Bagan head coach also expressed his dismay following the poor results from his team.

ATK Mohun Bagan have had a tough ISL 2022-23 season as per their elite standards. Retrospective of them being fifth in the points table, Juan Ferrando's side are practically out of the race for the ISL shield, and are now in close contention for a spot in the playoffs.

With ATK Mohun Bagan set to lock horns with Odisha FC on Saturday, the stakes are impressively high, and the need for three points is inordinate for both the contingents. With just two points separating both the teams at fifth and sixth position, a slip up at this stage of the competition, can prove to be costly for either side.

ATK Mohun Bagan’s head coach Juan Ferrando addressed the media ahead of the vital fixture. Here are some of the key insights from the conversation.

Thoughts on the game

ATK Mohun Bagan’s clash against Odisha is a crucial one, as three points are very much expected and demanded by the home fans. With the stakes very well know by Juan, this is what the coach had to say ahead of the game.

“It’s a home game, and an important match of course. Our mentality all the time is the same, to get the three points and I think it’s a good opportunity to show character and try to do the best tomorrow, because we play against a very good team. This team (Odisha), will be in the top six, because they have very good players, and throughout the season they have given a lot of effort.”

Solution to ATK Mohun Bagan’s poor goal-scoring form

The Mariners have been poor at the front this season. In their last nine games, ATK Mohun Bagan have scored only five goals. When asked about what solution he can present for this issue, Juan Ferrando said, “The big problem is if we don’t create chances. We create them. We have 3-4 opportunities in front of the keeper. Sometimes our solution is to help the keeper (their team), because the emotional state for them is not so easy, when they miss chances and they are working.”

“Now at the moment, my solution is to support the players. In the last two matches, the performance of the Mumbai City keeper was excellent, and against Chennaiyin, three times we had a one versus one situation. We just need to be more confident when we are inside the box.”

Will Gallego and Dimitri start in attack

The ATK Mohun Bagan boss also shed light in Federico Gallego will start against Odisha FC.

“In case of Gallego and Puitea, the players are joining at this moment. They try to learn our philosophy. They are making progress in training, learning about winning the spaces, working in defence and attack, and they are improving a lot. But at the end, we decide what is the best moment to use them - in the starting XI or as substitutes. In this moment, it is necessary to take decisions depending on players who are in risk of injury or are close to suspension for one match.”

Juan Ferrando opinion on the January transfer window's efficiency

With ISL’s schedule packed in January, the end of the transfer window often sees only 5-6 games left to be played for each team. This factor often raises questions about the efficiency of the January transfer window in ISL, and the impact it has on the teams.

When asked about the same, Juan Ferrando calmly replied, “It’s not possible to change it. I accept it, and our focus is on the pitch.”