ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando was disappointed after his team lost the first leg semifinal against Hyderabad FC at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Saturday. Hyderabad FC took the 3-1 advantage after they came up with a fine performance. Ferrando stated that their mentality will be to win the second leg and make a solid comeback.
Roy Krishna gave ATK Mohun Bagan the lead in the 18th minute of the game. However, Hyderabad FC made a fine comeback as their talisman Bartholomew Ogbeche scored at the stroke of half-time to equalize for his team.
Subsequently, Mohammad Yasir and Javier Siverio scored for Hyderabad FC in the 58th and 64th minute respectively to get their team’s noses in front.
Juan Ferrando believes his side struggled to get going because of injury concerns within the team.
Ferrando said in the post-match presentation, “I think I’m repeating but the team was tired, some injuries at the end and the substitutions were in relation to injuries. We changed the plan and then we made mistakes. We lost focus at the end. If you lose focus it leaves you open and gives great opportunities to Hyderabad FC.”
Speaking on the injury woes of the team, the Spaniard said, “We will see, it’s difficult because we need a minimum of two-three days and then we’ll see what happens.”
ATK Mohun Bagan were not at their best defensively against Hyderabad FC. Reflecting on the same, their manager added, “In the first corner, they tried to make an offside but in the end that was not given. The second is two mistakes that resulted in the loss of possession.”
Ferrando added that they will look to take the field with a positive attitude to have any chance of making a comeback in the second-leg.
He concluded, “It is like the game against Jamshedpur FC, we need to try to find solutions, and our mentality is to win. In the end, we need to change nothing. Our mentality is to win the next Wednesday and it is necessary when you of course it’s two zero. We will try to do our best.”
The second leg between Mariners and Hyderabad FC will take place at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Wednesday.
