It has been an unimaginable few months for ATK Mohun Bagan as they have struggled to do well in the Durand Cup and also got knocked out of the AFC Cup. Overall the aura around the team is not good at the moment ahead of the new Indian Super League season. While the Green and Maroons are looking to win the title this time after close finishes in the last couple of seasons, they have to play much better than what they have shown till now in the preseason and in the AFC Cup.
ATK Mohun Bagan have signed some new players but the criticism of coach Juan Ferrando was that he has not signed a proper no.9 who can lead the line for the Mariners. Goalscoring has been their problem ever since the likes of David Williams and Roy Krishna have left the club. Ferrando’s men struggled to score goals in both the Durand Cup and in the AFC Cup.
While Ferrando has shown trust in the Indian forwards, none of them have played to their potential till now. There have been goals here and there but a goalscoring fix is yet to be found. So the pressure will be on the former FC Goa head coach ahead of the new ISL season.
During his conversation with theIndian Super League’s official website, Ferrando shared that he is disappointed regarding the AFC Cup exit and want to improve in certain areas. He said, “Of course, we are disappointed, especially in the AFC cup. But it’s time to think about the present and future. I don’t think the opponent was better than us in the game, we need to improve in some details like set pieces and transitions.”
The Kolkata based outfit have signed defenders like Florentin Pogba and Brendan Hamill but both of them have not shown their best game till now. A defender of their stature must lead the defense line but that was not the case as the ATK Mohun Bagan backline looked very vulnerable every time there was space in the final third.
“Pogba and Hamil help the team for sure. They are very good professionals and will be ready to support the team on and off the field. But don’t forget we are a team, so we need to work as a team in defence and attack,” Ferrando stated when asked about Pogba and Hamill.
Lastly Ferrando also shared that apart from the experienced ones, the young players like Lalrinliana Hnamte, Kiyan Nassiri, Asish Rai and Mohammed Fardin Ali Molla should also step up and how the experienced players are mentoring them in training. “Our goal as a staff is to protect them and work in one way. They are the future and it is necessary to find the best moments for them. Of course, the experienced players are working like teachers in every training session,” the Spanish tactician opened up.
