Juan Ferrando thanks fans for backing team in tough moments after win

The Mariners thrashed Blue Star SC to advance to the third round of qualifiers.

ATK Mohun Bagan picked up a crushing 5-0 win over Blue Star SC in the AFC Cup Preliminary Round 2 game at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday. Manvir Singh and Joni Kauko scored a brace each, while David Williams also got himself on the scoresheet to complete a huge win for the Mariners in their first game in front of fans in the post-COVID pandemic era. Following the game, coach Juan Ferrando and midfielder Kauko shared their thoughts.

Thoughts on win

Giving his thoughts on the win, Juan Ferrando said, “To be honest, in the first period it was difficult for us to find the spaces, as they were good in the first 20 minutes. For us, it was important to control the transitions, as it was difficult in the first half for us. But, the supporters helped a lot in the difficult moments. The weather wasn’t so easy, but I’m happy for the work of the players.”

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Thoughts on team combination

After seeing his side score five goals on the day, Ferrando was asked whether he was satisfied with the current combination of his starting XI. He stated, “Like a coach, I’m never completely happy. I know the level of the players, in my point of view, I have the best squad. But, it’s normal. After one month since the last game against Hyderabad FC, it’s difficult to come back and start to play perfectly.

"I understand we had some moments, but I know this team has a lot of power and energy and can play faster in moments, work hard in transitions into defence. For us, it is necessary to improve some details for the next game and I know we can do it 100%.”

Availability of players

Amrinder Singh was a notable absentee from the team. The Spanish tactician updated on his goalkeeper. “Firstly, I have 28 players in my squad and I trust in all of them. I’m not worried about our squad or Amrinder. Amrinder experienced some issues in the last 2-3 days. He’s fit right now, but has only worked with the team in yesterday’s training. For me, it’s important that the players are ready and are fully fit. He wasn’t 100% fit today and didn’t get selected for that.”

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Juan Ferrando also gave an update on Roy Krishna’s status for the next match, after he missed the game due to personal issues. He noted, “If Roy has a problem, or there’s an injury with a player, I’m not worried because I know all the players are ready to perform for the team. I can play David (Williams) if I like in case Roy is missing because I know all my players are working hard.”

Thoughts on Abahani Dhaka

Finally, Ferrando spoke about his thoughts on ATKMB’s next opponents Abahani Dhaka. He explained, “I watched some games only in the championship, as they didn’t qualify for the playoffs. But, I liked the team, they are a good team in transitions of defence and they are clear in their offensive transition and use three areas.

“They are a compact team, they don’t play 3-4 players in attack and others in defence. We need to pay attention in pressing as we need to keep the ball. We must work hard to sustain the press and move the ball forward. It’s not so easy, but we need to work hard to win the next match,” Juan Ferrando concluded.

Joni Kauko’s comments

Joni Kauko, the Man of the Match for his two goals, spoke about his delight to play in front of fans. He exalted, “It was amazing to have the fans back, as it’s been a while since we played in front of fans. They helped us a lot today and it was nice to see.

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"It’s great to see the fans in the stadiums, there were a lot of people today and football is much better with the fans. It makes us play better and try more. Thank you to everyone who came to the stadium.”

The Finland international also spoke about the differences he’s noticed in Indian football as compared to European football. He said: “Of course, the football Is different here. It starts all the way from the roots, I think. It starts from the ball, the players are learning differently and even the grassroots levels.

"But why I wanted to come here is that I wanted to experience something that is completely different than what I’m used to. I can’t wait to see more and experience more. I’m really happy here and I can’t wait for what the future brings.

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What Indian Football lacks

He further spoke about what details he sees in Indian football lacking from a European level. Kauko explained: “If I want to compare with European level, I think the biggest thing is the tactical parts. The players are working hard, but tactically players make more mistakes here than in Europe.

"It depends on where you’re playing and what kind of team you are playing. We were playing different football when I arrived here, but I like the current style and I feel like I’m at my best in this kind of football.

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“When you have good coaches and teachers to show for the youngsters, you can teach them with your own experience and that will help progress their football. I also have a responsibility to do that, we need to be kind of role models to help the Indian players with our experience.

"I try to do that every day and I feel we have very good players in our team. We’ll be a strong team in the AFC Cup and the next season’s ISL,” he added.

Finally, Kauko spoke about who he dedicated the win. He said: “If I need to dedicate to someone, it’s for the whole club and to all the fans who came to the stadium today. I think that was the main thing which was to see all the supporters in the stadium. Hopefully we get more people in the next game.”

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