ISL 2021-22: We want to finish at first position – ATK Mohun Bagan’s Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando has stated that they want to finish at the numero uno position in the ongoing Hero Indian Super League in the standings. The Mariners defeated Bengaluru FC by 2-0 in the 61st match of the season at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday.

With this win, ATK Mohun Bagan strengthened their place in the third position as this was their ninth win of the season. They currently have 34 points under their bag after 18 matches. In fact, ATK Mohun Bagan has suffered only two losses in the ongoing season, which is the least for any team in the tournament.

If Juan Ferrando’s team goes on to win their remaining two matches, they will have a good chance of finishing at the pole position if Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC don’t win their remaining matches.

Meanwhile, Liston Colaco scored the opening goal for ATK Mohun Bagan as he found the back of the net in the 45th minute. Subsequently, Manvir Singh scored in the 85th minute to assure three crucial points for his team.

Juan Ferrando said in the post-match press conference, “To be honest now after the match against Odisha FC it depends on us to win against Chennaiyin FC and try to win against Jamshedpur FC because in this case maybe we can lose energy in both games. In the end, it depends on what happens between Mumbai-Hyderabad and Hyderabad-Jamshedpur, we’ll see what happens. Of course, cross our fingers for us because we are thinking about the first position. But to be honest, I think it’s necessary to think in our games to take six points, and then we’ll see what happens”.

Ferrando believes it is imperative for his team to shift their focus on the next match and come up with another complete performance.

He said, “The thinking tonight is to the next game on Thursday. We have two days to prepare for the game because that is important for us. I’m happy because the supporters of the club are happy but for us, it’s our job to put focus on our game”.

Speaking about the injuries and challenges due to Covid-19 and quarantine protocols, he said, “I think it’s very difficult. I repeat all the time that cases of covid, no training, quarantines are difficult but for all the teams that is the same. I’m happy because everybody tries to do their best in difficult moments. I’m happy for the attitude of everybody, the character but to be honest all the teams were in quarantine and not training. Of course, in my case, it was very difficult because I had no time in the pre-season with this team because I joined in December”.

ATK Mohun Bagan will next face Chennaiyin FC at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday.