ATK Mohun Bagan had to face a lot of criticism after they suffered a 2-4 loss against I-league champions Gokulam Kerala FC in the opening Group D match of the AFC Cup 2022. However, the Mariners were able to prove their mettle by beating Bashundhara Kings by 4-0 and then they also defeated Maziya S&RC by 5-2 to top their group.
Thus, ATK Mohun Bagan advanced to the inter-zonal semifinals of the AFC Cup 2022 after winning their last two matches convincingly. The team’s head coach Juan Ferrando was delighted with the team’s performance and said they have answered the critics in style by playing good football.
Juan Ferrando said in the post-match press conference, “I’m happy for the players and our supporters. Because in the last six days we read a lot of bad words about the club. I read some news that was very disappointing. But this club is a big club because we have respect for the opponents. In the end, the best way to reply to them is by playing good football, not in press conferences.”
Ferrando was on cloud nine after proving that they were the best team in the group after finishing at the top position with six points.
He added, “Of course, we are, because, in the end, we finished in the first position. To be honest, if you check all the stats, you’ll get the answer. The most important thing is that we have respect for our opponents. Some people have no respect for other clubs. And it is not good because football is an amazing game it should be enjoyed.”
The Spaniard feels the next rounds of the tournament will be more difficult and they have to be ready and they will look to prepare accordingly.
Ferrando went on to add, “Yeah, of course, a lot of points. But now it’s time to rest and we have time to think about the last two or three games. This competition is amazing because it’s an international competition and you learn a lot. Because the opponents are of the highest quality and they try their best. It is necessary to take time now to think and prepare for the next rounds because it will be more difficult.”
