AFC Cup 2022: Our target is to win and get three points – ATK Mohun Bagan’s Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando has said that their target is to win against Maziya S&RC at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Tuesday. ATK Mohun Bagan suffered a 2-4 loss against I-league champions Gokulam Kerala FC in their first match of the Group stage in the ongoing AFC Cup 2022.

However, the Mariners were able to bounce back stronger as they defeated Bashundhara Kings by 4-0 on Saturday after Liston Colaco scored a superb hat-trick. On the other hand, Maziya S&RC had lost their opening game against Bashundhara Kings by 1-0 however they went on to beat Gokulam Kerala FC by 1-0 on Saturday.

Revealing his message to his players, Ferrando said in the presser, “It’s a big opportunity for us. We are thinking about the Maziya match because it’s a very important one. I know the players are tired after these close matches. Our target is to win and get three points. Then to see what happened in Bashundhara Kings (match).”

Ferrando lavished praise on the opponents and feels his team will need to be on their toes against the tough opposition.

He added, “We know that in their league they are incredible. Because in the championship in the Maldives, they are the best team. They had very good performances in the past. The plan of them is very clear, that transitions in defense. It’s different than the last season. After the win against the Gokulam FC, they must be very motivated.”

The Spaniard feels the confidence and emotions of his players will play a key role in the success of his team and the match result will not be wholly decided by tactics.

He went on to say, “In attacking sometimes it’s more about emotions rather than tactics. The players are very tired, in six-day of span they played two matches. Whether attack or defense you need to have clear details. Because if there’s one mistake, it’s a great opportunity for the opponent. Rather than talking about attack or tactics, Tuesday’s game is more about players’ confidence. It is the day for the details.”

Ferrando feels playing second will be an advantage for them as they will be aware of other teams’ results.

He concluded, “Of course, it’s an advantage. But I don’t think we are going to talk about this in the dressing room. The most important is our game. But if there’s a draw or Gokulam loses, that is good for us.”