ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando opens up on the challenges faced by him and the players during the season

ATK Mohun Bagan and head coach Juan Ferrando overcame multiple challenges to lift the Indian Super League trophy beating Bengaluru FC in the finals. The Mariners suffered with multiple injury problems to some of their crucial players. Also, the results were not favouring the Spanish tactician. Hence they were a team hit with injuries, poor form and an array of poor results.

There were a lot of criticism around Ferrando and his strategies and things went from bad to worse when they lost 1-0 against NorthEast United away from home. It was like the team had hit rock bottom with a defeat against the bottom-placed team in the league standings.

“I was sure our squad was good enough and we could do it despite all the circumstances. I don’t know how to express it, I just felt it that way and I told the management,” Ferrando said in an interview with Khel Now.

He shared how the ambience around the club and the players was very melancholy during Christmas. While it was the festive season for many, the Mariners were reflecting on their mistakes made in the last game and how they can improve.

“It was Christmas time. We were all upset and looking to add some players to the squad because we only had three foreigners fully fit. It was then that it became clear that the need to incorporate these players had to be a priority,” he added.

However, Ferrando is not someone who will get happy after a single accolade. He wants his team to keep up the momentum and be consistent in churning out positive results. With the focus now shifted towards the Super Cup, Ferrando does not want to keep any stone unturned.

“Winning the ISL must be a motivation for all of us. For me as a coach, for the staff and for the players in their effort to excel. We are a professional team and we have to behave as such,” he said.

The Mariners are clubbed with Group C with Gokulam Kerala, FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC. They will start their Super Cup campaign on April 10 against Gokulam Kerala.,

There are several rumours floating in the transfer market with several players linked with other clubs. However for now, Ferrando will have his task cut out in selecting the right players for the Super Cup as he has plenty of options in place.