We need to end the game in 90 mins, but it won't be easy: Juan Ferrando ahead of Machhindra game

Mohun Bagan head into the clash on the back of a loss in the Kolkata derby.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant get their 2023 AFC Cup qualifiers campaign underway when they host Machhindra FC for the Preliminary Round clash on Wednesday, August 16. Juan Ferrando’s side are coming off a loss to East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby, but aim to bounce back with a big win to move forward in the qualifying stages.

Juan Ferrando’s thoughts on AFC Cup challenge

Speaking ahead of the game on the challenge it’ll bring for his side, Juan Ferrando said: “The international matches are difficult. Our opponent won the last match 3-2 and showed they’re an aggressive and ambitious team. It’ll be a difficult match.”

Ferrando echoes his club owner Sanjiv Goenka’s motto for the Mariners to win every competition they’re a part of, especially the AFC Cup. He said: “I know my owner told me that he wants us to win all the trophies. It’s important for us to play every match to our best. We need to focus on the next game and take it one step at a time. We need to end it in 90 minutes, but it won’t be easy as it’s an international competition.”

Defensive state and Anwar Ali’s addition

When asked about if he’s worried about the defensive compactness of his team, Juan Ferrando explained: “We are talking about an international match now in which we’ll take on a very good thing. The past is the past. We’ll work in this situation and will need to find solutions on our defensive problems. I hope after this match we’ll have 6-7 days to work on fixing our mistakes. We made more mistakes against Punjab in the Durand Cup than we did in the derby, so it’s important to think about Machhindra, focus on Wednesday and then look into the other things.”

The mentor also spoke on Anwar Ali’s importance for the team, stating: “I know him from when he played in Delhi in the Durand Cup. I asked the director of the club back then about him and he told me that Anwar has some problems with registration due to his condition. I knew he was perfect for Mohun Bagan. I know he can help in the build-up. Of course, he needs to improve in some details about the pressing or positional sense, but it’s my job to help him because he can improve a lot and has a lot of talent. My point of view is that he’s currently one of the top three centre-backs in India. We now need to work as a whole team.”

Can Cummings start?

Ferrando refused to confirm whether Jason Cummings can get his full debut for Mohun Bagan in this game, as he explained: “I can’t answer that. We have training for the upcoming days and the likes of Cummings or Armando need time to adapt. It’s important for them to be adapted to our process. I know everyone is excited to see them, but the players need time and need to work with the team all the time to work as one. He played 20 minutes in the last match.

“I hope with every day he can play more often. He needs to know our process and methods. But it’s impossible for Cummings or rest of the players to perform to their best, he needs time. It’s important to know that for foreign players coming to India, a lot of things change in their lives. It’s necessary for him to trust the process and take things one step at a time,” he claimed.

Thoughts on new AFC Cup foreigner rule

Finally, Juan Ferrando dismissed claims that the new AFC Cup rule allowing teams to field more foreign players can help his side. He said: “I think what is most important, from what I’ve experienced from the top European competitions like the Champions League, is that you need to find the best players for your best line-ups. I know the foreign players bring more experience and quality, but don’t forget that this team is based around our domestic players.

“We can use six, five, four, three foreigners but the rest of the players are very important. I don’t think about the nationality of the player. If Anwar (Ali) is performing better than Brendan (Hamill), then he plays. If Kiyan (Nassiri) plays better than Petratos (Dimitri), then it’s him playing. I’m only thinking about the best line-up for the club and to win the next match,” the tactician concluded.

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