ISL 2022-23: Effort of the players was incredible – ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando was delighted with the effort of his players despite the injury woes after a 2-1 win against FC Goa at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata, on Wednesday. The Mariners have faced injury problems in the ongoing season but they were able to come up with a fine show against the Gaurs.

Dimitri Petratos continued his good form in the ongoing season as he scored in the ninth minute of the game, scoring his fifth goal in the 11th match. But, Anwar Ali equalized for FC Goa in the 25th minute of the game.

However, the home team once again took the crucial lead as Hugo Boumous scored in the 53rd minute. Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan had lost their previous match against NorthEast United FC and thus it was a fine comeback from them.

“This season we are not lucky with injuries, and it is not so easy, the players are not in regular condition to play every match,” Ferrando stated in the post-match press conference.

“The last month was incredible for us. We had a lot of injuries. Dimitri Petratos has had problems with his hips for the last two weeks. More than the performance, I need to talk about the effort of the players. It was incredible in a difficult situation. The mentality to come after a loss against NorthEast United FC was positive,” Ferrando added.

Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan will next take on table-toppers Mumbai City on 14th January and thus they have got more than two weeks to prepare themselves.

“We have the break, but we need to prepare well for the game against Mumbai City FC, it is time for recovery, and the physios are working well,” said the ATKMB head coach.

While discussing the transfer window strategy, the Spaniard revealed the club is trying its best to bring in new players due to injury woes.

“The club is working hard in the transfer window, the best players are in different teams with contracts, and it is necessary for us to find a proper player in the positions because when we play in attack, we can create spaces, and we need players who can do that (find and attack the spaces), but sometimes it is hard to find players in the winter transfer window, and if we cannot find the best players, it is necessary to have a plan,” revealed Ferrando.