ISL 2021-22: I think it’s necessary to think about the semi-final now – ATK Mohun Bagan’s Juan Ferrando

 

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando was disappointed after his team lost their last league stage match against Jamshedpur FC by 1-0 at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda on Monday in the 110th match of the season. Ferrando admitted that they tried to do everything but they didn’t succeed.

The Mariners finished in third place in the points table after they won 10 matches out of the 20 they played. ATK Mohun Bagan had a total of 37 points under their bag and they will look to bounce back stronger in the semifinal stages.

Meanwhile, Ritwik Das scored in the 57th minute of the game to give three crucial points to his team and lead them to ISL Winners Shield.

Ferrando added that it is imperative to think about the semifinal and shift their focus on the crucial game.

Juan Ferrando said in the post-match press conference, “Of course, we are not feeling very good. We had one opportunity in this last game we knew it was not going to be easy, because for us it was necessary to win by 2-0. We tried to do everything but we didn’t succeed. But I think it’s necessary to think about the semi-final game now.”

In fact, ATK Mohun Bagan displayed great sportsmanship as they stayed on the pitch despite their loss.

Ferrando added, “No, it’s a sign fair play for me. After a four or five-month competition they were in the first position and won seven games (in a row). I went there to congratulate them. Because this season for this club was perfect.”

This was the first loss for Juan Ferrando since he has taken charge as ATK Mohun Bagan’s manager. Asked if this will play on his mind before the semifinal clash, Ferrando said, “To be honest, right now I don’t know. I need one-two hours and I’ll take a shower. But yes, then we need to be ready for the next game which is the semi-final. Of course, as a team after this defeat we are not feeling good. But tomorrow is a new day as a head coach, I need to push the players and the coaching staff and get them ready for Saturday’s match.”

Ferrando added that they will try to enjoy themselves in the semifinal against Hyderabad and they will look to deliver their best.

The Spaniard concluded, “Well Jamshedpur FC, Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters FC they are in the semi-final because they all had a very good season. It’s time to enjoy the games. But in the semi-finals and final in my point of view everybody will witness good games because it’s not the same pressure. Of course, everybody wants to win but after the twenty games everybody wants to enjoy the last three games.”

ATK Mohun Bagan will face Hyderabad FC at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Saturday in the first-leg semifinal.