ISL 2022-23: After 1-0, we were more comfortable on the field, says ATK Mohun Bagan’s Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan’s head coach Juan Ferrando was delighted after they defeated Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Saturday in the second knockout game of the ongoing Hero Indian Super League 2022-23.

Ferrando feels the team was comfortable on the field after Hugo Boumous scored in the 36th minute to give them the lead. Subsequently, Dimitri Petratos continued his good form as he scored in the 58th minute to give a 2-0 lead to his team.

It was a comprehensive performance from ATK Mohun Bagan as they took six shots on target.

“Our plan was to find space behind their right and left-backs. Obviously, it was difficult because after one moment in the match, we had to change some details due to the injury to Ashique. Ashique is different from Liston. This is the first time we played Carl (McHugh) and Puitea together, since the away game to Chennaiyin FC,” Ferrando said in the post-match press conference.

“It was necessary to change the plans. It’s different when you play Bengaluru FC or Odisha FC. The press is different (and other details). Every match is different and the plans as well. The players in this case were magnificent all the time. After 1-0, we were more comfortable on the field,” he added.

However, ATK Mohun Bagan suffered a huge injury blow after their goalkeeper Vishal Kaithe had to be taken to the hospital following a head injury.

​​“I’m not satisfied (with the situation) because at this moment Vishal is in the hospital, Ashique has a big injury. The most important thing is the health (of the players). At this moment, I’m scared about the situation of these players. I’m not thinking about the result or anything else,” Ferrando revealed.

The Mariners will face previous season’s champions Hyderabad FC in the semifinal and the Spaniard is hopeful that there won’t be many injury woes for his team.

“I hope the team (is fit). It’s necessary to talk about what happened with Ashique, with Hugo (Boumous) because he reported some problems with his groin, what happened with Brendan and Glan (Martins). It’s difficult to talk about it (the semi-final against Hyderabad FC) if we are not ready,” Ferrando stated.

“At this moment, we have some problems. I hope in the coming days we recover well and try to do our best. Honestly, I’m happy because this team has shown incredible character and personality in difficult situations and they have tried to control the moments of the match. This is most important. But it’s difficult to talk about if we are more ready than last season because it’s a different situation. The last season was in the bubble and a lot of things have changed,” he concluded.