ISL 2022-23: Tonight was for the supporters – Juan Ferrando after the derby win

ATK Mohun Bagan FC head coach Juan Ferrando dedicated the derby win against East Bengal FC to their fans. The Mariners continued their good record against East Bengal FC in the ISL as they won by 2-0 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata, on Saturday.

Hugo Boumous opened the scoring for ATK Mohun Bagan in the 56th minute but East Bengal FC goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh should have done better for his team as the ball had bounced in front of him. Subsequently, Manvir Singh doubled the team’s lead after 11 minutes after the ball deflected into the back of the net after ricocheting off a defender.

Juan Ferrando revealed that he wanted to his team find free space and he was delighted with the team’s performance.

The Spaniard said in the press conference, “The most important thing for me today was to find free space. Towards the end, the team managed to find free space behind the right back and left back. Of course, we need to improve in transition as it is difficult because the size of the pitch is quite big and it’s necessary to change the team’s mentality and that has to be accomplished before the next match.”

The gaffer dedicated the win to their fans and feels that it is important to not go over the board in their celebration and focus on the upcoming matches.

Ferrando said, “We are professionals. We are happy but it’s important to not think a lot about the win. Today was the day for our supporters, but we have to prepare for the next match. Three weeks ago, we were not the worst team, and now (after three games), we are not the best team. It’s important for us to keep calm and keep going. From Sunday, we will prepare for Mumbai City FC.”

This is the first time in the ongoing season that ATK Mohun Bagan has managed a clean sheet. However, Ferrando revealed that winning three points is more important for him and his team.

He concluded, “My preference is always the three points. Clean sheets don’t matter, it’s about the three points. What matters more during the season is the points that you have and not the clean sheet. Clean sheets are individual awards. For me and the team, the most important thing is to get three points every game.”

ATK Mohun Bagan will next face Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai on 6th November.