Juan Ferrando: From eyesight recovery to how ATKMB wooed him

The tactician’s journey as a manager is full of highs and lows but one that is inspiring.

Juan Ferrando’s work ethic and dedication were key contributors in helping ATK Mohun Bagan win the Indian Super League 2022-23 Trophy. His work in Indian football earns him a lot of respect and admiration from the fans of the Mariners and neutrals alike. However, there was a point in his life before coming to India when he was losing his vision to a bacterial infection.

“I can not do anything. I live for the treatment. I always have to be free to talk to the doctors, pending the drops, to be monitored all day. I try to read or watch TV, but I can't. I can't do anything," he said while speaking to Diario AS. 

Juan Ferrando gives credit to the medical professionals who cured him of his condition which allowed him to follow his passion. "I owe more than my life to the doctor who treated me," he admits after fully recovering from the condition, albeit for the time being. His eyesight recovered in 2020 after successful treatment and post that he took the next step in his coaching career, that took him to Asia. 

Before coming to India

Juan Ferrando’s career took a turn for the good in 2019 before his eyesight issues took place. Back then, he took Greek club Volos from the Third to First Division in just two seasons. However, the eyesight difficulties due to the bacterium turned his life upside down.

Also Read: Juan Ferrando's Exclusive Interview to Khel Now after ISL 2022-23 Win

Precautions

Juan Ferrando stated how he has to be cautious of his lifestyle in order to prevent the resurfacing of the infection. “I have to take medication and I have to be careful with the water I wash my face with and so on. Still, I am optimistic. I have a review every six months and the prognosis says that this will end up completely disappearing,” he explained. 

Moving from FC Goa to ATK Mohun Bagan

Juan Ferrando’s entry into Indian football and the Indian Super League was through FC Goa. He took the head coach position at the club in 2020. However, in December 2021, Juan Ferrrando received a phone call that would change the fortunes of ATK Mohun Bagan and himself.

“I remember it was Saturday, December 20. I arrived at the hotel after drawing a game with Goa and my agent (José Manuel Espejo) called me. He told me that the CEO of Mohun Bagan wanted to talk to me,” he narrates while expecting it to be a conversation in regard to the next season. However, the intention was to get Ferrando on board as soon as possible.

To get the Spaniard tactician shift clubs, ATKMB had to pay his release clause of €300,000, which they did instantaneously. “I spoke to Goa and told them to let me out. They believed that they were not going to pay the clause, but after 20 minutes they had already paid it. I talked to the players, explained why I was leaving and left for Calcutta. On the night of December 20, I directed my last game with Goa and on the 21st at 5:00 PM, I completed my first training session with ATK Mohun Bagan,” Juan Ferrando recalls.

Fast forward to the end of the 2022-23 season of the ISL, Juan Ferrando helps ATK Mohun Bagan become champions of India, winning the ISL Trophy by defeating Bengaluru FC in the final of the playoffs.