ATK Mohun Bagan missed a major opportunity to earn three points as they could only manage a goalless draw against Jamshedpur FC in their latest Indian Super League clash. The Mariners struggled to find the finish despite creating numerous chances.
This was the third statement in what has been a very thrilling ISL season. The draw meant that ATK Mohun Bagan remained in the fourth position whereas the Men of Steel were in tenth spot accumulating only 13 points from 18 games.
ATK Mohun Bagan boss Juan Ferrando wants his team to keep working hard in these difficult situations as the team has struggled to find the net. The Green and Maroons have only scored 20 goals in 18 games, which is the third lowest tally this season.
“The solution is to help the entire team continue working hard in difficult situations.There is not a time to cry, we need to keep working and support the mentality (of the players). I know we are missing chances, that is a problem for me (missing chances), but today we were unlucky,” Ferrando stated at the post match post conference.
Ferrando’s men had more of the possession than the hosts and also managed seven shots on target. Still they were not clinical enough to find the net and seal all three points. Ferrando lauded Jamshedpur FC and the way they were set up on the night to nullify the opposition.
“The performance of the (Jamshedpur FC) players was good because they are ready to play in this system,” Ferrando lauded the hosts. He shared how the Men of Steel controlled the tempo of the game and managed to get hold of the second balls. He was very impressed with the way Aidy Boothroyd’s men fared on the big night.
“They controlled the second balls well, they had opportunities in the last phase of the game. The plan of their team is the same, and in football, it is important to control the tempo, and at the end, everyone wants to play well in the transitions. Jamshedpur FC have a good squad, they have young, hard working players, so they are a good team to play against,” the Spaniard pointed out.
ATK Mohun Bagan are in a spot of bother right now with their current form as they have scored three goals in their last five games. The Mariners are only three points ahead of seventh placed Odisha FC and a few results here and there and ATK Mohun Bagan may end up out of the playoffs.
Overall goal scoring has been a major concern for the team as Ferrando also is very concerned and wants his players to focus on their mentality and concentrate on finishing chances.
“When the team wants to win, it loses focus in defense and when you are in minute 75 and the score is level, the mentality is to attack, where you lose transitions in defense. We need to learn about this and score to win matches, it is important to control the game,” he concluded.
ATK Mohun Bagan will travel to Hyderabad for their next game against the Nizams on 14th February. It will surely be an epic clash as two good sides will face each other in a crucial clash. While Hyderabad FC have qualified for the playoffs, ATK Mohun Bagan will be looking to win the game and get there eventually.
