“We need replacements, the club is working on getting new players,” says Juan Ferrando as ATKMB struggle with injury crisis

ATK Mohun Bagan’s winning run got snapped as the Mariners played out a 0-0 stalemate against Odisha FC in their latest Indian Super League fixture. Both the teams tried to get the better of their counterparts but all in vain. Odisha did try and succeed in creating better chances but they were denied by Vishal Kaith.
ATK Mohun Bagan’s winning run got snapped as the Mariners played out a 0-0 stalemate against Odisha FC in their latest Indian Super League fixture. Both the teams tried to get the better of their counterparts but all in vain. Odisha did try and succeed in creating better chances but they were denied by Vishal Kaith.

After the drab draw, ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando attended the post match press conference and shared how his team has been marred with injuries and it has really hindered their progress.

“The most difficult situation for us right now is our injuries. We have only three foreign players and four at max. We even have important injuries to local players. They’ve been out for a while like Manvir (Singh) and Engson (Singh). It’s difficult to prepare the team in training because it’s difficult when you have 10-12 players missing the sessions,” Ferrando stated.

When asked about Hugo Boumous’ absence from the matchday squad, Ferrando cleared that Boumous was struggling with his shoulder and they decided to not to take a risk and aggravate the injury. “His injury (was the reason he didn’t start). He couldn’t move his shoulder properly. I tried helping the team in the last 10 minutes but it was a risk to play him because if his knock got aggravated, he would’ve been out for the rest of the season.”

He also shared how carelessness led to aggravation of injuries for Joni Kauko and Florentin Pogba and now they are out for the season. It has left a long lasting impact on the team as they have lost two of their foreign players. Several local players are also injured and it is a very tough time for the Mariners.

Speaking on aggravation of injury, the Spanish tactician stated, “The same thing happened with Joni Kauko and Florentin Pogba, same with Manvir and Engson too. Maybe if he can continue in the same level, the coaching staff can pick him in the next match. This is the reason why we have many developed players in our squad, to deal with injuries.”

Ferrando was also very vocal about the need for reinforcements as the club is actively looking to bring in replacements for the injured players. “Of course we need replacements. The club is working on playing new players. I hope that we can get the new players as soon as possible because the club needs them,” he added.