ATK Mohun Bagan’s head coach Juan Ferrando was disappointed after his team was held to a 1-1 draw by Odisha FC in the 100th match of the ongoing Hero Indian Super League at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Thursday. As the tournament is at fag end of the league stage, it is important for the teams, which are in contention for the semifinals, to win their remaining matches to seal the top-four place.
It was a quick start to the game as Tlang scored in the fifth minute of the game. However, the Mariners responded back quickly as Kauko scored through the penalty after only three minutes.
In fact, ATK Mohun Bagan dominated the possession with 59% and they took a total of four shots on target. But in the end, there were kept at bay by the opposition and had to share the spoils.
Juan Ferrando said in the post-match press conference, “Disappointing for us. Our target was to get three points. This is my thought for today’s game”.
This draw has hampered ATK Mohun Bagan’s chances of finishing among the top-two teams in the standings. ATK is currently in the third position with eight wins from 17 matches and they have 31 points under their bag.
Speaking on the same, Ferrando said, “It’s necessary to fight until the last moment. This is my target and our mentality. Till the last moment, we need to fight”.
Ferrando also rued injuries to crucial players at this important juncture of the tournament. Furthermore, the quarantine protocols and Covid-19 have made it difficult for all the clubs.
He concluded, “It’s difficult when you do the necessary substitutions for injuries. This is the reason because when players are ready you can do substitution depending on the performance, depending on that moment if you want to change the plan. But when you lose three substitutions for injuries it gets difficult. But this is not an excuse it’s a problem for all the teams because of quarantine and no training then you come to play two games in three days, it’s normal”.
ATK Mohun Bagan will next face Bengaluru FC at the PJN Stadium on Sunday.
