We need to work on improving in the final third- Juan Ferrando

The Spaniard also explained the absence of two key players from his starting lineup.

After a closely-fought encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, ATK Mohun Bagan registered a win against FC Goa thanks to Roy Krishna’s late penalty. Speaking to the media after the game, the Gaurs’ head coach Juan Ferrando opened up on a host of topics, including the tight scheduling of the league and the absence of key players in Brandon Fernandes and Jorge Ortiz.

On whether the loss against ATK Mohun Bagan is a step back in terms of the team’s progress

During the game, FC Goa did create a few chances, but a lack of finishing cost them, as Krishna scored in the 85th minute to win it for his team. Upon being asked about the result, Ferrando said that the defeat was not a desirable result for the Gaurs.

“Our mentality is to win all the games,” he said, before adding, “But today, we couldn’t get the desired result.”

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwyiXrneQ2M

On the penalty and Aibanbha Dohling’s role in it

It was FC Goa defender Aibanbha Dohling who conceded the penalty after attempting a poor challenge on Krishna in his own box. But, Ferrando reaffirmed his faith in the player and the team, stressing on the importance of working hard to rectify such errors. “We haven’t lost the season. It does not matter much. I continue to believe 100% in him and we will continue working.

“Tomorrow is a new day and I will be working with him and the rest of the team as well. That’s the important part,” he added.

On Brandon Fernandes and Jorge Ortiz Mendoza’s absence

Brandon Fernandes and Jorge Ortiz have played important roles in FC Goa’s progress so far in the league. It was hence quite confusing for many to see both names absent from today’s matchday squad.

“Brandon was left out because of an illness, just like in the match against Odisha FC. He had missed some of the final training sessions as well. He was not fit for tonight and hopefully he will be back by Saturday ,when we have our next game,” Ferrando explained, before revealing that Ortiz was deliberately left out on the basis of a squad rotation policy.

“The schedule is tight, so we have to rotate the squad and protect our players. We had to protect Ortiz today. We have been following this pattern for a while now. In the last game we protected Edu Bedia and four days ago we protected Alberto Noguera. Today, it was Ortiz’ turn because we have our next game against Chennaiyin FC on Saturday. Then we will rest another player. The match is 2-3 days away and hence recovery is a must,” he said. “They are not machines. They are humans and have emotions – and definitely need time to rest.”

Related- Highlights: Krishna scores late penalty as ATKMB edge FC Goa

On FC Goa’s shortcomings on the pitch and its reasons

Juan Ferrando cited FC Goa’s tight schedule as one of the main reasons for not doing well in the attacking third.

“It is very clear that we need to work on improving in the final third. But, it is very difficult to prepare for the next match when you have only 2-3 days’ time after your last game. When a team has 4-5 days, there is enough time for recovery and work,” he said.

On ATK Mohun Bagan’s gameplay

Upon being asked about the opponents, who have now climbed to second spot on the ISL table following their win, the 39-year-old said, “It is very difficult to talk about the opponents because I’m thinking about my team all the time. Of course, everyone knows that ATK Mohun Bagan is an incredible team with incredible players. Today we saw a battle between two teams that were almost equal in quality.”

On his preferred FC Goa starting XI

Ferrando concluded the interaction by explaining that he has no preferred starting XI for FC Goa, as it depends on several key factors. “There is no fixed XI for the team. Depending on the opponents and tactics, there will be changes in XI for every team.”

“Of course, players’ recovery also has an important role in deciding the best XI for any match,” Juan Ferrando signed off.

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