Juan Ferrando aims semi-final spot, Khalid Jamil playing for pride

ATK Mohun Bagan take on NorthEast United in the ISL on Saturday.

With an eye on closing the gap at the top of the table, ATK Mohun Bagan will start as hot favourites against bottom-placed NorthEast United FC in the Hero Indian Super League at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday.

ATKMB are on a nine-game unbeaten run, sitting fourth in the table with 23 points and having played 13 matches, two less than table-toppers Hyderabad FC who are on 26 points.

Juan Ferrando’s ATK Mohun Bagan have looked like a well-oiled machine of late, their unbeaten streak being their longest since jumping on the Hero ISL bandwagon. The only cause for concern for Ferrando could be the lack of clean sheets. But other than that, the Kolkata side have looked brilliant in every department under the Spaniard, playing more with the ball and also creating a lot more opportunities in the final third.

This season has been a disappointing season for NorthEast United. The club struggled to find any consistency as they were the only team not to go unbeaten in at least two games this season. The club had at least one loss in every two games. The Highlanders have conceded 35 goals in 16 games, they have not shipped more goals in the league stages of any other Hero ISL season.

Ahead of the game, coaches Juan Ferrando and Khalid Jamil expressed their tohughts on the game in a press conference.

Here are excerpts:

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando

Whether NorthEast United are an easy opponent

Juan Ferrando: I think in our case, in our last seven games, we do not see this as an advantage. Everybody needs three points, six teams can have the chance to make it to the play-offs. Then because, in the last games, the players want to do the best for their club,  thinking to extend the contract, because they could get offers at this moment. The last few weeks everybody wants to do the best because of personal targets or for the clubs.

On his gameplan

Juan Ferrando: Of course, every game is different. Every game, we have different plans. I don't trust in just sticking to one plan and only work only in the same plan. I like (to follow) the same way, of course, that is our way - to keep the ball, to control the space, protect the spaces, try to play in attack and find the best moment, the positional attack, rely on high press, this is our style. This is our way. But about the plan, sometimes it's necessary to change some details depending on their position, the wingers, depending on the position of the centre-back.

Preparation for congested fixtures

Juan Ferrando: For the next few matches, the responsibility is there for the medical staff and fitness coach, because it's about recovery. After the NorthEast United FC game, Sunday is for recovery, Monday is the day before the game and it's impossible to prepare the team in training sessions. It's impossible because it will be normal that the players are very tired. And then, the solution in this case is the medical staff to prepare a good recovery. Immediately we have to think about the Goa game and then the same for the Kerala Blasters FC game. It's a good challenge for the department of medical staff and fitness coaches.

On the possibility of Sandesh Jhingan return

Juan Ferrando: In the case of a Jhingan, we talk a lot of time. He joined us in January, but wasn't lucky because he tested positive for COVID-19 I remember 10-12 days in his room. Then we start with quarantine, and then he has started the training modelizing the last week of January - the first week of February. After six, seven months, the players need to start pre-season. He's working on it at this moment for him.

In normal precision, you play 30, 45, 60, 90 minutes, in this case it's difficult to give opportunities for team because if I give him 50 minutes, the intensity of the game is not like friendly game is very important, but I am very happy because the last training sessions, he was very good. He is working hard. Of course at one moment, I will give him one chance because I know it's very important for him to play with us, he is an important player.

On semi-final qualification

Juan Ferrando: I think, if we get about 35-36 points, 100% we will be there in the top four, but to be honest and thinking about the first position, I think it's necessary to get 38 points. 100%, we need 38 points, but you know, this depends on other results also.

NorthEast United head coach Khalid Jamil

Thoughts on game

Khalid Jamil: It’s not going to be an easy game, as it is going to be an important game. We are playing a good team and everybody is ready and motivated. Give your best and everything will be fine. We must just think about our game and that is the best solution

Opportunities for fringe players?

Khalid Jamil: Whoever is available in the best possible way will get a change. You cannot make changes to give more chances to others.

Difficult to motivate players?

Khalid Jamil: Everybody is professional here. They know that if they perform, they’ll get a new contract for the next year. They have to play for themselves and for the team. All the players are prepared, as it is a good opportunity for them to express themselves.

Development of Indian players

Khalid Jamil: Indian players are getting help from foreigners. Everybody is getting more game-time, which is a good thing. When they get chances, they’ll gain more confidence.

VP Suhair’s development

Khalid Jamil: Yes, he is doing well and he must finish the season well in the remaining four games. He has to work harder and the remaining players also have to give their best.

Experience in ISL 

Marco Sahanek: In my opinion, it’s a good league with very good foreigners and Indian players. It’s not easy to adapt when you come from a different league and a different country. But, I think so far it’s okay and we have to continue giving our best.

Playing inside a bio-bubble

Marco Sahanek: Like I already said, that it’s a good league. So far, I haven’t scored or assisted. But, I hope from the next games, I can help the team and I hope we start to win.

Playing under Khalid Jamil & alongside Marcelinho?

Marco Sahanek: Coach is very good and he tries to help us all the time. We all know that Marcelinho is a very good player and Indian players can learn from him. He gives his best in every game and it is good for us to have him in the team.

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