Juan Ferrando focused on next game after win against Bengaluru FC

ATKMB ousted the Blues from the playoffs race with the 2-0 win.

It was Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh’s goals that took ATK Mohun Bagan past Bengaluru FC and one-point shy of securing a playoffs berth. Bengaluru FC are now out of contention and tonight’s defeat confirmed the same. Juan Ferrando's side, on the other, need one point from their next two matches to seal their place in the final four. They are still in the race to top the league stage and clinch the ISL Shield.

The victory kept ATK Mohun Bagan at third, but they are now level on points with Jamshedpur FC, who have a game in hand. With 34 points each, both teams are also one-point behind league leaders Hyderabad FC. With their chances of making the playoffs looking bright, Juan Ferrando was satisfied with the win.

Here is what the ATKMB boss said at the post-match press conference:

Reaction to Important Win

The win against Bengaluru FC was a huge one for the Mariners in their bid to claim a semi-finals spot, but Juan Ferrando was quick to look ahead. “We have our next game on Thursday against Chennaiyin, which is the most important to us.

"The rest, I am happy because the supporters of the club may be happy. Our job is to shift the focus on to the next game,” the coach said.

Number of Injuries in Squad and Updates

ATKMB have been afflicted by a number of injuries, including one to Hugo Boumous, who walked off in the first half itself. “I think it is difficult. With cases of COVID, no training, quarantine, it becomes quite difficult.

"But, it is the same for all the clubs. I am happy with the way the team showed character. It is more difficult for me since I didn’t have a pre-season with the team, as I joined in December,” the Spaniard explained. 

Whether Clean-Sheet was Important

Juan Ferrando also said he was more concerned about winning games than keeping clean-sheets. “To be honest, winning: that is what’s on our minds. 1-2, 3-1, 5-0, or 1-0. In the end, three points are the most important.

"For me, I am disappointed because whether you win 2-0 and your opponent had 6-7 shots on target, then that is a problem,” he said.

Thoughts on Chennaiyin FC Game

The Mariners face struggling Chennaiyin FC in their next match, and many may think them to be easy pickings for the third-placed team. However, the head coach maintains respect.

“We will try to win against Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur. In the end, it depends on Hyderabad, Mumbai and Jamshedpur. We’ll see what happens. We’ll have our fingers crossed and try to get the six points first."

Players Availability

Apart from Boumous, David Williams and Roy Krishna were also unavailable for selection. The coach was asked if we will see these players in the final two games.

“We’ll need time to see. I know the medical team is trying their, best but we don’t know anything yet," said Juan Ferrando. "Now is a good time to talk about Lenny (Rodrigues), (Deepak) Tangri, Manvir (Singh), Liston (Colaco), Kiyan (Nassiri), (Gursimrat) Gill, everyone is helping the team. I am happy for this moment,” he signed off.

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