Not worried of team failing to score goals, says Juan Ferrando

The Mariners won the last match, courtesy an own goal.

ATK Mohun Bagan will be up against Indian Navy in a must-win encounter to ensure their qualification to the knockout stages of the Durand Cup 2022. In their previous encounter, Juan Ferrando’s side secured their first win of the season, beating East Bengal by 1-0 in the Kolkata Derby.

Here's what head coach Juan Ferrando said ahead of the match.

Team building not yet over

ATK Mohun Bagan have assembled a star-studded line-up going into the AFC Cup 2022 and the Indian Super League 2022/23. The team has quite a number of new faces. Also, the head coach has decided to bring in a change in their style of play. Thus, the Mariners will need more time to settle into their new style.

Juan Ferrando said, “Even though we have won the derby, the team-building process is not yet over. It will continue. Keeping that in mind, we’ll take the field on Wednesday. My philosophy outlines that after winning a game, we have to do even better in the following training sessions and match. If the players don’t develop every day, it will be difficult to hold on to success.”

Every player is important

Juan Ferrando seems to have complete faith in his squad. Also, he shed light on the short time between two consecutive matches.

The tactician commented, “We will be playing this game within 48 hours of the previous game. Playing in such a short gap in this humidity is difficult. But I have 25 players at my disposal. All of them are ready to help the team.

“In my team, Kiyan Nassiri, Fardin Ali Molla, Arsh Anwer and Abhishek Suryavanshi are equally important as Joni Kauko, Florentin Pogba and Liston Colaco. All of them are ready to give their 100 per cent for the side,” he added.

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Thoughts on Indian Navy

Be it at FC Goa or ATK Mohun Bagan, Juan Ferrando has never disrespected the opponents. Neither has he taken them lightly. He speaks highly of Indian Navy, “Despite being an armed forces’ side, Indian Navy are strong. They have drawn against East Bengal. Also, they have showcased tremendous fighting spirit in the first half against Mumbai City. They play coherent football and produce counter-attacks as well.”

The Spaniard emphasised, “We are under more pressure since we have to earn all three points from this game. If we win, we will have a scope to think about the mathematical situation of our qualification. My plan is to win this game and then calculate our chances for the quarter-final.”

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Not worried of missing goals

Juan Ferrando was bold enough to admit that he is not worried about the team failing to score. He said, “I am not worried about the team missing numerous goal-scoring chances or not winning easily in the last three games.”

The tactician added, “I would have been worried if the match was not in our control or if we failed to create goal-scoring chances.

“The season has just started. We are working to rectify the mistakes. Hopefully, the team will reach its peak in the right time,” concluded Juan Ferrando.