We need to control Bengaluru FC's transitions: Juan Ferrando

The Mohun Bagan boss wants his talented lot to showcase their flair on the pitch.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant are aiming to maintain their impressive run of form in the Indian Super League (ISL) when they host last season’s finalists Bengaluru FC at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Wednesday (September 27).

Prior to the game, Bagan boss Juan Ferrando attended the pre-match press conference here in Kolkata. Excerpts from the conversation are stated below:

Thoughts on Bengaluru FC

Despite seeing his opponents lose their opening game of the ISL 2023-24, Juan Ferrando is still wary of their threat. He said: “Tomorrow is going to be a difficult match for us. Bengaluru have a great squad with good players. They’ve continued with the same coach from last season. They reached three finals last season, so these are the kind of matches in which we need to control a lot of details. Their players can change every moment and change every plan. We must be ready because our home matches are very important.”

When asked if he has seen any major changes in their playing style from last season, the mentor answered: “I don’t think so. Last season, Bengaluru didn’t start the season well either but they continued in the same way and reached the final. Their plan is clear. They trust in this system. In the last match against Kerala, their transitions were very good at times. We need to control those details. They reached three finals last season. We need to be careful of their details, because they are aggressive in attack."

Will Mohun Bagan continue with three-man backline?

Juan Ferrando refused to confirm if he’ll stick with his three-man defensive line against Bengaluru, saying: “Maybe you are talking about one system, but the plan isn’t the same for every match. It’s not the same to play against Bengaluru as compared to Odisha or Punjab. We haven’t had time to prepare the team because of the short gap within matches, but we need to control a lot of details against Bengaluru. It’s important to keep in mind our plan so that we can have success in the end.”

Juan Ferrando urges his side to improve

When asked if he feels that the Mariners have started the season on the right track, the Spaniard explained: “I’m not completely happy with our performances. We need to improve a lot of things and general details in our game. I’m happy about the effort of the players and very happy for them. They are working hard and trying to do the best on the field.

"If we have more time, we try to prepare some details to improve some aspects of our game because it’s necessary for this club to improve our style and methodology. We need time for that. We don’t have that at this moment, but I’m happy because all the players in the squad are ready to push the team. If they can continue in this way and work like a team, then we can surely improve a lot of things and get good results in the future," he added.

Ferrando wants his players to stick to his plan

Finally, while appreciating the quality of his Mohun Bagan squad, Juan Ferrando urged his players to stick to his plan. He said: “The most important thing for me is that the players are working on the same plan. Sometimes, it’s necessary to change the plan and sometimes we have success. The situation of Dimitri is different because sometimes it’s necessary for him to find the best moment. But we are only in September, we’ll have a lot of matches ahead. We’ll follow one plan.

“The main target for Dimitri or Cummings is to improve the overall performance. They are ready to help the team. We have a lot of talent in the Mohun Bagan squad. But the most important thing is to use this talent for the team. In every match so far, the players have showed their talents for the team. We need to continue in the same way, be quiet and take it one step at a time,” he concluded.