ATK Mohun Bagan returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win over FC Goa as they also avenged their last defeat against the Gaurs. It was Dimitri Petratos who opened the scoring in the first ten minutes to hand the hosts the all important lead. Later Anwar Ali scored for FC Goa and restored parity. However it was Hugo Boumous’ timely strike that helped Juan Ferrando’s men to clinch all three points at home against FC Goa.
Juan Ferrando was delighted after the match and he was very proud of the mentality shown by the players despite the injury problems that the team have had throughout the season. “This season we are not lucky with injuries, and it is not so easy, the players are not in regular condition to play every match,” Ferrando stated at the post match press conference.
The Mariners are coming to this game with a defeat against NorthEast United FC and with the amount of injury concerns they have it was tough for Ferrando to even imagine that the players will come out and play like this. So he hailed their mentality and spirit.
“The last month was incredible for us. We had a lot of injuries. Dimitri Petratos has had problems with his hips for the last two weeks. More than the performance, I need to talk about the effort of the players. It was was incredible in a difficult situation. The mentality to come after a loss against NorthEast United FC was positive,” he added.
ATK Mohun Bagan will now get a break as they will return to action only on 14th January when they host the league leaders Mumbai City FC. It will be a tough battle against the Islanders who are still undefeated in the league. But surely this win under such tough circumstances will boost their morales and will give them courage to overcome the Mumbai City challenge.
Ferrando also feels that this break can freshen up the players and some players may be available from injury. Overall it gives them time to rejuvenate and reinvigorate and make a fresh start in the new year against a very strong opposition.
“We have the break, but we need to prepare well for the game against Mumbai City FC, it is time for recovery, and the physios are working well,” said the ATKMB head coach.
