Juan Ferrando taking cautious approach against AFC Cup opponents Blue Star SC

Fans will be back on the stands to support ATK Mohun Bagan on 12th April.

In the pre-qualifying match of the AFC Cup, ATK Mohun Bagan will be facing Sri Lankan side Blue Star SC at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. ATKMB head coach Juan Ferrando kept a close surveillance on the match between Blue Star and Machhindra FC to figure out who their opponents will be in the forthcoming AFC campaign on 12th April. After an unsuccessful Indian Super League campaign, the Mariners’ focus will be entirely on their upcoming AFC competition.

Not taking the opponents lightly

Juan Ferrando has never taken any opponent lightly during his stay in India. He always goes one match at a time. As said earlier the tactician saw the Blue Star – Machhindra game. After watching the game, as usual, the Spaniard is reluctant to take their opponents lightly.

He says, "There is no reason to underestimate Sri Lanka's Blue Star. The passing of the team is very good. Sometimes the team plays pressing football. After playing slow football for a while, the team suddenly starts to attack. And that creates the chances of the goals. We have to be careful because the game is ninety minutes long.

"The fate of the match will be decided within that time. Blue Star did not play well in the last ten minutes. For this reason, many people think that the team is not too good. I refuse to accept that. After the two goals, they probably didn't want to give extra effort thinking about the next match."

Blue Star’s style of play

The maestro kept a close check on the opponents and got hold of certain details which might help ATK Mohun Bagan in the fixture. Ferrando has noticed that the team possesses a tendency to play long balls. They also follow the philosophy of switching the game from the right-back to the left-wing position.

"The Sri Lankan club is always trying to send the ball over the head of the opposition. Their center-back Chameera’s game is a lot like our Carl McHugh. He is good at defending and also able to increase the correct pass. We have to remember that one of the best clubs of their country is coming to play and we have to play with respect. That's how we are getting ready," opines the head coach.

Winning the AFC Cup?

Juan Ferrando has taken note of the strengths and weaknesses of Blue Star after watching the match. The video analysts of the club have recorded the entire game. The tactician will assemble a strategy in the next few days after analysing the video in the team meeting. ATK Mohun Bagan have started their training on Wednesday. Players like Tiri, Pritam Kotal, Roy Krishna and others have joined the same. Among those yet to join is Carl McHugh, who will reportedly only arrive on April 10 and will play no part in the AFC Cup Preliminary Round.

Last year, Juan Ferrando’s FC Goa ended their AFC Champions League campaign with a third-place finish in the group with three points (three draws). When quizzed if the coach is considering winning the AFC Cup this time around, Ferrando shook his head and asserted, “I believe progress happens match by match. Now only ninety minutes of the Blue Star SC match are in my head. We have to get success at that time."

The head coach added, "I hope the Mariners will come to watch our game, filling the gallery. The support of the Green Maroon members on the field will inspire us. I promise they will not have to return home disappointed. You can enjoy the joy of football by watching my team’s game."

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