ATK Mohun Bagan manager Juan Ferrando said his goal is to play in the AFC Champions League. And his team should treat every Indian Super League (ISL) match as a final. ATK Mohun Bagan, on a 4-match unbeaten streak in the Hero ISL 2022-23, will face FC Goa. In the next match on Sunday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. Ferrando will play against his former club FC Goa. Who led the Gaurs to their first Durand Cup trophy last season before joining ATK Mohun Bagan.
Furthermore, There is currently only one point between the two teams, with ATKMB currently in 4th place, one place above FC Goa. After FC Goa lost to Kerala Blasters, ATK beat Mohun Bagan and Ferrando’s side are unbeaten from their first match this season. However, Ferrando believes the home side will be a threat to ATKMB despite losing their last match. At the pre-match press conference, Ferrando, who was accompanied by striker Kiyan Nassiri, reiterated that he will never be satisfied with the team’s performance as he believes the Mariners can always improve collectively.
Accordingly, How different is coaching a great team like ATK Mohun Bagan from your days at FC Goa? Many things remained the same. However, As a manager you have a lot of responsibility and of course the pressure is higher at this club because the fans always demand wins. My responsibility here is to improve the club. Players, staff and people were mostly intact. I gave my best in both clubs. Do you think ATK Mohun Bagan is better than others and your team can become champions?
Undoubtedly! Our goal is to reach the top. When I was at FC Goa two years ago, I thought it was important to be in the AFC Champions League. Because when you are in the AFC Champions League you can develop as a team, as a club and in Indian football. . This is our mindset. We work hard every day to be #1 at the end of the season. Right now, to my credit, there are 5 or 6 teams competing for the championship title. We should treat every game like a final.
FC Goa have brought in some new players, how competitive do you expect to be against them?
Our next opponent is a very strong team. Their play at the beginning of the season was very good. As you can see from their resume, they have great players. Alvaro (Vazquez), Iker (Guarrotsena) and (Marc) Valiente have three great players in the team. FC Goa is a great team, compact and strong opponents. It will be a tough game and it will be a good game for the fans and spectators. Are you happy with the team’s performance so far?
I’m never happy because I know we can improve every day. I know this team is very good, I have very good players, but the most important thing is to take things step by step. At Hero ISL, they award Hero of the Match. Soccer is sometimes difficult because it is a team game, not an individual game. Collaboration is our future and present goal. Of course, we will work on the tactical and technical aspects of the game next season. Everyone should understand that football is a team sport and prepare accordingly.
FC Goa came into this match with a 3-1 defeat against Kerala Blasters FC in their previous match and your team is unbeaten in their last 4 matches. Do you think this will give your team an extra edge before the game?
repeat. The performance of Goa Football Club at the beginning of the season was very good. I think they started the season in the top 3. With the team trailing 0-2 against Kerala Blasters FC, the team was eliminated in the last five minutes of the first half. I think FC Goa have a clear plan with many tactical points this season. The quality of players, centers and teams is very good and they will definitely make the playoffs.