ISL 2022-23: The match was difficult: ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando admitted that it was a difficult match for his team after they won against NorthEast United by 2-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Thursday.

Liston Colaco provided the lead to the Mariners in the 35th minute of the game. However, Aaron Evans equalized in the 81st minute of the game for the visitors.

But the home team bounced back as Subhashish scored in the 90th minute of the match to help his team earn three crucial points.

The Spaniard feels NorthEast United FC have been unlucky to still not earn their first point of the game.

Juan Ferrando said in the post-match press conference, “For me, the most important thing is to help my team. In my point of view, NorthEast United FC should be further up the table with four-five points. But at this moment, they have zero points. The match was difficult. They have a good team and a plan. And in some moments, they have been unlucky. Today, after going down 0-1, NEUFC had a big chance to equalise (through Parthib Gogoi) and in the end, they conceded a goal. Our focus is now the next game against FC Goa.”

On the other hand, Ferrando feels the next match against FC Goa will be a challenging one for the team as the Gaurs have a potent team and they have got off to a good start.

Ferrando said, “We have five-six days to prepare for this match. It will be a difficult match, of course, because FC Goa have started the season well. They have nine points at this moment. They have good players. It’s a great opportunity for the spectators to watch the game. We have time to prepare and I hope the players will be ready. Both the teams will enjoy this match as both teams like to play with the ball.”

Meanwhile, Liston Colaco scored for the home team after missing a lot of chances in the previous games.

Sharing his thoughts on Colaco’s performance, Ferrando said, “It’s difficult for players to perform at a high level all season. All the players go through a dip in form and it’s normal. I’m happy with Liston because he is working every day in training, his mentality is strong and this is the most important thing. Everyone knows the level at which Liston can perform. He is very close to reaching what is normal for him. He needs to improve on some details. But it’s about a process and I am not worried. Liston needs to work for himself and the team. If he improves on those details, it will be perfect.”

ATK Mohun Bagan will next take on FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on 20th November.