ISL 2022-23: NorthEast United FC can change their position on the table: ATKMB head coach Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando reckons NorthEast United FC can change their position on the table in the upcoming matches. The Highlanders are currently at the bottom of the standings as they have lost all of their five matches.

Thus, Marco Balbul’s team is yet to secure their first point of the season and they will quickly need to turn the corner. NorthEast United FC will face another stiff challenge as they will take on ATK Mohun Bagan on Thursday while playing away from home at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata.

NorthEast United FC lost their previous match against Kerala Blasters FC by 3-0 and they will look to get their first win of the season against the Mariners.

Sharing his thoughts on the opposition, Ferrando said, “NorthEast United FC had a good game against Bengaluru FC. Even in their last against Kerala Blasters FC, they had two-three opportunities to change the scoreline. The results don’t give a clear picture of how they have performed on the field. NorthEast United FC have a clear plan in attack and defence. They have had unlucky moments, due to which their results have not been good. For me, they are a dangerous team. They have zero points, but they can change their position. They have a good squad, and good players. And most importantly, they have one plan.”

The Spaniard admitted that it is going to be a difficult game but feels the mentality of the players is going to play a key role in the result.

The gaffer added, “It will be an important match against NorthEast United FC because we play at home. It will be difficult, and we know that. For me the most important thing is mentality. We need to make sure that everybody is ready, focused, and relaxed because it’s difficult to travel (from Mumbai) after a game and to come back here (Kolkata). Honestly, you have just one day to prepare the team. For me, the team is ready for Thursday. We have to be aggressive on the field because the three points are important for us. In this case, we will be closer to the top of the table. It’s a difficult match given this situation, but I hope the players are ready because they have been working hard. I’m happy because we play at home and playing in front of the supporters is good for the players.”

ATK Mohun Bagan has won two matches, drawn one, and lost one so far in the tournament.

Assessing his team’s performance, Ferrando said, “The team has been playing well so far. Only that we have not had success in front of goal. When the team is working well, and when you have no success in front of goal, it’s a problem. But, in my point of view, the team has been working with the same level. Now, we have more confidence because we have had good results. I’m very happy for the team except for one match (Chennaiyin FC).”

He concluded, “It’s normal when you don’t have success in one match. When the score is not good, your confidence is not so high. After the game against Chennaiyin FC, the team was suffering as we didn’t put up a good performance. For me, it’s more about the mentality than the physical (performance). Now, at this moment, the team is more confident and it is necessary to continue working. This is the moment to be ambitious. You have to be ready to support the team. You need to have the mentality to get three points in every game.”