ATK Mohun Bagan’s head coach Juan Ferrando has revealed he had the confidence that they could go all the way in the recently concluded Hero Indian Super League 2022-23. The Mariners defeated Bengaluru FC on penalties in the final to come out as winners of the ninth season.
In fact, ATK Mohun Bagan was facing many issues in the season due to multiple injuries to their main players however they were able to come up with a collective show. The Spaniard was able to make the most of his available resources as he got the best out of his players.
After finishing third in the points table with 10 wins in 20 league stage matches, Juan Ferrando’s team defeated Odisha FC in the first knockout by 2-0. Subsequently, they bested 2021-22 champions Hyderabad FC on penalties in the semifinals before getting the best out of the Blues in the all-important final.
“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 spoke to KhelNow in an exclusive interview.
“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.
“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.
In fact, ATK Mohun Bagan’s Tiri and Joni Kauko missed the final match against Bengaluru FC due to their respective injuries but supported the team from the sidelines.
“Tiri may be able to recover for the Super Cup, but I think Joni might need a little more time,” he mentioned.
The gaffer added that the prize would not have been so sweet had they not faced obstacles during the ninth season.
“In football, as in life, when you believe in something, you must try to carry your idea to the end. If there were no obstacles, perhaps the prize would not be so sweet,” he commented.
ATK Mohun Bagan will face Gokulam Kerala on Monday in the group stage of the Super Cup.
