ISL 2023-24: We need to control Bengaluru FC’s transitions, says Juan Ferrando

Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Juan Ferrando reckons they need to control Bengaluru FC’s transitions in their second match of the ongoing Hero Indian Super League 2023-24 season at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Wednesday.

The Mariners got off to a winning start in the season as they defeated Punjab FC by 3-1 to kick off their title defense on a high. On the other hand, Bengaluru FC lost their opening match of the season against Kerala Blasters by 2-1.

These two teams had met each other in the final of the previous season, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant winning on penalties.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Juan Ferrando said, “Tomorrow is going to be a difficult match for us. Bengaluru have a great squad with good players. They’ve continued with the same coach from last season. They reached three finals last season, so these are the kind of matches in which we need to control a lot of details. Their players can change every moment and change every plan. We must be ready because our home matches are very important.”

When asked if he has noticed any changes to Bengaluru FC’s playing style as compared to the previous season, the Spaniard said, “I don’t think so. Last season, Bengaluru didn’t start the season well either but they continued in the same way and reached the final. Their plan is clear. They trust in this system. In the last match against Kerala, their transitions were very good at times. We need to control those details. They reached three finals last season. We need to be careful of their details, because they are aggressive in attack.”

Ferrando added that they make their plans according to the opposition they are playing.

“Maybe you are talking about one system, but the plan isn’t the same for every match. It’s not the same to play against Bengaluru as compared to Odisha or Punjab. We haven’t had time to prepare the team because of the short gap within matches, but we need to control a lot of details against Bengaluru. It’s important to keep in mind our plan so that we can have success in the end.”

The Spaniard is happy as all the players are pushing to take the team forward but he also feels they can improve themselves in certain areas.

“If we have more time, we try to prepare some details to improve some aspects of our game because it’s necessary for this club to improve our style and methodology. We need time for that. We don’t have that at this moment, but I’m happy because all the players in the squad are ready to push the team. If they can continue in this way and work like a team, then we can surely improve a lot of things and get good results in the future,” he concluded.

Mohun Bagan SG will aim to continue the winning impetus against Bengaluru FC.