Our players were not fresh due to quarantine, says Juan Ferrando

The Mariners played their first match in almost three weeks due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

After having three matches postponed, ATK Mohun Bagan came back on the field against Odisha FC in the ISL. Juan Ferrando and his men had to be content with a single point, but the Kolkata-based side did put up a decent display. The likes of Liston Colaco looked threatening in the first half, but the chances could not be converted.

A win could have catapulted them into the top four, but ATKMB will have to wait for that opportunity for when they play in the Kolkata Derby. The head coach shared his thoughts with the media in the post-match press conference:

Not happy with result

It is natural for the coach to not be satisfied with a goalless draw and Juan Ferrando was no different. “I’m not happy with the result. It is always our target to get all three points, but due to quarantine our players were not fresh,” said an unhappy Juan Ferrando.

Whether Odisha had better second half

The media quizzed the ATKMB coach regarding Odisha’s performance in the second half. “In my point of view, they played their last match last week and were fresh in that aspect.

"We could only have two training sessions. Some players were out of their quarantine for only 24 hours. In these games, I think it’s quite important to score on the chances you get,” the coach reflected.

Missing Hugo Boumous

French-Moroccan midfielder Hugo Boumous missed the match due to amassing four yellow cards. “Hugo can help us in certain details of the game.

"I also missed other players like (Joni) Kauko and Soosai (Michael Soosairaj). All the players on the field gave their best, which is good,” Juan Ferrando commented on missing out players.

Looking forward to Kolkata Derby

The Mariners face their arch-rivals SC East Bengal in the next fixture. The coach was asked about his plans for this much-awaited game. “Now, we need to have a good recovery.

"I hope all the players get out of their rooms and complete quarantine. From there, step-by-step, we’ll see,” the coach signed off.

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