Jamshedpur FC defended well, says ATKMB boss Juan Ferrando

The Mariners will now face Hyderabad FC in the semis.

ATK Mohun Bagan were unable to secure the Indian Super League (ISL) top spot, as they ended the league stages with a crushing 0-1 loss to Jamshedpur FC on Monday. Juan Ferrando's tried hard, but were unable to break open Jamshedpur FC– with Ritwik Das’ strike in the 59th minute ensuring them the League Winners' Shield. The defeat left ATK Mohun Bagan at third and they will now face Hyderabad in the semis.

Following the game, coach Juan Ferrando shared his thoughts on the match at the post-match press conference.

Thoughts on the result

Juan Ferrando was understandably upset with the result, as he reacted after the game, “Of course, the feeling within the camp is not good. Because we had an opportunity to win the top spot in the last game, but we also knew it’s not so easy because we had to win 2-0.

“But, in the end, I think after Jamshedpur’s goal it was very difficult. We tried to do everything, but we had no success. We had no success in easy passes, in a lot of presses and that’s normal. In the end, the motions were difficult with every step, but I think it’s now necessary to think about the semi-finals,” he added.

Hugo Boumous' presence missed?

The Mariners missed key player Hugo Boumous with injury and David Williams was also only able to come off the bench. When asked about whether he feels he missed firepower in the attack, Juan Ferrando said, “Look, at the end of the game we tried to play with Roy (Krishna), Williams, Liston (Colaco), Manvir (Singh), Kiyan (Nassiri), Prabir (Das) and we tried our best with all the players.

“I think we can’t have an excuse that this result is because one player didn’t play. We tried to do everything, but Jamshedpur were very close in the box, they closed down passes very well. Jamshedpur FC were just better at working in defence. We need to improve in the final third of the attack, be it attacking the free space or attacking the final third zones and it’s necessary to learn that. But no, this result is not because of missing one player,” he further quipped.

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Reason for staying on pitch after FT

Juan Ferrando decided to stay on the pitch after the game, forming a large huddle with his players and talking to them. Speaking about this, he explained, “No, it was fair play in my opinion. Jamshedpur FC won this tournament after 4-5 months of tough competition.

"They won the first position and won seven straight games. We wanted to congratulate them because it’s the decision of Jamshedpur was very good. It’s normal to respect the opponent at this stage. It was a fair play thing for us to stay outside after the game and tell them, congratulations!”

First loss as ATKMB manager before semi-finals affecting things?

This loss also marks the first time ATK Mohun Bagan have lost under the Spanish manager. When asked about whether this can impact their mentality going into the semi-finals, Ferrando said, “I don’t know. I need a few hours, have a shower and then be ready for the semi-finals.

"Of course, everyone isn’t feeling good – but tomorrow is a new day. I’m a head coach, I need to push the players, I need to push the coaching staff and be ready for Saturday’s game.”

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Thoughts on semi-finals Vs Hyderabad FC

The Mariners will face Hyderabad FC in the ISL semi-finals, a team against whom they haven’t lost this season. Speaking about his feelings for the semis match-up, Juan Ferrando explained, “We’ll see because the semi-finals, in the end, there are the likes of Jamshedpur, Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters – they’re here because they had a very good season. They played under pressure, but now it’s time to enjoy the games.

“Playing against Hyderabad is a pleasure for me, they’re a good team. In terms of the semi-finals and the final, I think the fans will get to see very good, entertaining games because everyone now just wants to enjoy. Of course, everyone wants to win, but for me after the 20 games, everyone wants to enjoy the last three games,” he finished off with.

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