ISL 2022-23: It’s a difficult situation for us because of injuries: ATK Mohun Bagan’s Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando admitted it’s a difficult situation for the team due to injury woes in the ongoing season of the Hero ISL. Ferrando was pleased with a point but he was not entirely happy with the team’s performance after a goalless draw against Odisha FC at the Kainga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Thursday.

It was the first goalless draw of the season as both teams shared the spoils. The Mariners took four shots on target whereas the Kalinga Warriors had two shots on target but none of the teams could grab their chances in the match.

Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan has injury woes as players like Manvir Singh, and Engson Singh are currently out of action and they could take more than one month to recover.

Putting light on the challenges for the team in the ongoing season, Fernando said in the post-match press conference, “It’s a difficult situation for us at the moment because we have a lot of injuries. We have only three foreign players at times and sometimes, we push for four. Also with Indian players, we have had injuries and they are out for one or two months like Manvir (Singh), and Engson (Singh). It’s difficult. Not that I don’t trust in the rest of the players but it’s difficult to prepare for the training sessions. Normally, we have 10-12 players for the training sessions and it’s difficult to work like this. But this is not an excuse and this is part of football. We came here and we know our mentality is to prepare the plan to get three points but honestly, Odisha FC was much better than us in the first 45 minutes. In the second half, we tried to find some spaces but in some transitions, Odisha FC had two or three clear opportunities.”

Ferrando revealed he was not happy with a point and added their mentality is to always get three points from the game.

He said when asked if he was happy about sharing the point with the opposition, “Of course not, our mentality is to get the three points. But in this situation, the team was fighting a lot so I’m happy, but not completely happy because it’s normal (to want three points). All the teams want to get three points and to win, but sometimes, it’s necessary to find the balance for the situation.”

The Spaniard also revealed the club is looking for new signings to fill up the shoes of injured players.

He concluded, “Of course, we need replacements. The club is working and I hope they (new signings) join us as soon as possible because the team and the club needs these players. The club has been working hard for the last month and I hope if everything is good, they can join us soon. One (vacant) position is of the centre-back and one will be Joni Kauko’s position.”

ATK Mohun Bagan will next take on NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Saturday.