ISL 2022-23: Odisha FC match is very important for us – ATK Mohun Bagan’s Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando believes the upcoming match against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Thursday will be very important for them. The Mariners have gotten off to a good start in the ongoing season of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23 as they have won six matches, one draw, and two losses.

Juan Ferrando’s team, currently in third place in the standings, has a total of 19 points in their ledger and they would want to continue the good show against the Kalinga Warriors.

Ferrando admitted it is going to be a challenging match against Odisha FC as the opposition has a potent squad.

Juan Ferrando said in the pre-match press conference, “Thursday won’t be so easy as these three teams – Hyderabad FC, Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC – are very strong and their performance has been very good. We will be playing away and it’s difficult when you play away because you know the situation and they are a very good team. They have very good players and their performance has been very good. It will be a difficult match. We have prepared a plan (for Odisha FC), I hope we have success because this week is very important for us.”

A win against Odisha FC will put the Mariners at the pinnacle of the standings and Ferrando added the team is motivated to give its best.

Ferrando added, “For us, we’re motivated all the time as we want to get the three points. Honestly, I think it’s most important to be at the top of the table at the end of the season. Now, more or less, it’s not really our target. The most important thing is to prepare for the match because it’s not so easy. I hope we get three points. But we will see what will happen because East Bengal FC play against Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC play against Bengaluru FC.”

Odisha FC has been scoring at the fag end of the match in the ongoing season and the Spaniard feels the timing of the goal doesn’t matter and they will look to create their chances.

Ferrando concluded, “No, it depends on the match. It doesn’t matter when the goals are scored, the matches are for 90 minutes and in extra time. During this time, you can score. The most important thing is to create opportunities and try to get the three points and win the match. This is the target. The time is not important.”