ISL 2022-23: The balance of the match was even: ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando believes the balance of the match was even after playing a 2-2 draw against Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai on Sunday. ATK Mohun Bagan had 47% of possession while they took only two shots on target.

The visitors found themselves on the back foot after Lallianzuala Chhangte found the back of the net in the fourth minute of the game. However, they were able to bounce back in the contest after Mehtab Singh scored his own goal.

But Rostyn Griffiths scored in the 72nd minute to give a 2-1 lead to his team. However, once again the Mariners bounced back as Carl McHugh scored in the 89th minute to help his team share a point.

Speaking on the team’s tactics after the first 25th minute, Juan Ferrando said in the post-match press conference, “When we played against Mumbai City FC in the Durand Cup, we were able to find spaces behind fullbacks or between the lines of midfield and defense. Now with Greg Stewart, they were able to find spaces much better. We tried to find spaces behind (Sanjeev) Stalin and Rahul (Bheke), this moment it’s necessary to change the plan with build-up. In the first half, the team didn’t perform great, we were not able to create opportunities and find spaces between the players but in the second half, the first 15-20 minutes, the match was crazy. The balance of the match was even, with opportunities for us and opportunities for Mumbai City FC.”

The Spaniard was satisfied with a point as ATK Mohun Bagan was playing away from home against a tough opposition.

The gaffer said, “In my point of view, this one point is good because the players were brilliant. We’ll see what happens in the next match. For us, one thing is important, to take points in away matches. It’s not only in India but everywhere, in Europe as well, it’s difficult for teams to win points when they play in away matches. After COVID-19, it’s been difficult for the teams. For me, it’s psychological more than anything else.”

Ferrando admitted that Mumbai City FC is a tough opponent as their players can create many chances. Thus, the Spanish manager was happy with the way his team bounced back in the second half.

He said, “In my point of view, the teams playing on top have different plans to find out solutions and Mumbai City FC is a good team with all of its talented players. They have different plans, for example, if Jorge Pereyra is playing number nine, then they can play Alberto Noguera and they have a lot of talented players like (Lallinzuala) Chhangte and Rahul (Bheke). I think Mumbai City FC is a really compact team and they take good decisions in the field. They can find different solutions to problems and they have that creativity. Sometimes it’s like you’re watching three matches in one so in the case of Mumbai City FC, I think it’s good.”

ATK Mohun Bagan will face NorthEast United FC on Thursday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.