“It is difficult for the players to play in Kochi with such a massive crowd,” says ATK Mohun Bagan boss Juan Ferrando after 5-2 win

ATK Mohun Bagan players and their head coach Juan Ferrando finally had an opportunity to enjoy the last laugh as the Mariners dominated Kerala Blasters with a fantastic 5-2 win at the JLN Stadium in Kochi. Ferrando was ecstatic with the players and the atmosphere in Kochi on Sunday.

The match started with an opening strike from Ukrainian Ivan Kaliuzhnyi in the first five minutes and the entire stadium erupted with cheer and joy. However ATK Mohun Bagan’s newest signing Dimitri Petratos scripted a glorious comeback for the Mariners with a fine hattrick and there were goals from Joni Kauko and Lenny Rodigues whereas Rahul KP scored a mere consolation goal.

After the game, Ferrando was highly impressed with the atmosphere in Kochi and he was very satisfied with his team’s comeback away from home. It was also the first win of this season after ATK Mohun Bagan started with a defeat against Chennaiyin FC at home. The Spaniard highlighted how there is a constant pressure for the away team to play in Kochi and still his team managed to comeback and win all three points after being a goal down early on was very commendable.

“It’s amazing, the atmosphere here speaks football. (I saw) a lot of supporters before the match who were coming to the stadium, all were in yellow shirts, it was amazing. But, it’s difficult for the players to play here because the crowd is massive and there’s maximum pressure, and the players need to (learn) to work under pressure,” Ferrando stated.

“I think this point is very important for the players to improve, (especially) in this situation because this is normal football. I think it is necessary to work under pressure because this is what football is all about, here or in Europe or anywhere else. I’m happy with the character of the team after 10-15 minutes,” the Spaniard shared about his team’s character in the comeback win.

When quizzed whether it is the right time to get in the groove with the Kolkata Derby in close vicinity, Ferrando said it is all about his team and the players to improve in every game. He feels that despite the win there are various scopes of improvement for the Green and Maroons.

“For us, the most important thing is to focus on ourselves, to continue working because we are in process, and with this team we need to find the details in transitions, and improve in other details. Of course, for us, it’s a pleasure to play the Kolkata derby because it is an important match and an important game for our supporters, for all of Kolkata, and I hope the team will be ready for this match,” Ferrando replied.

Lastly the Spanish tactician highlighted how his team did not start as well as he would have liked but after the first 20 minutes, he pointed how Kauke and Boumous combined and started finding the pockets of spaces in the final third hence creating chances for the attackers.

“The first 10-12 minutes for us was very difficult. In the build-up, in the second part of the attack, after around 20 minutes, when Joni (Kauko) was up close with Boumous (Hugo), we found spaces and it was easier for us to attack. The team was much better and I’m happy for these things because it is necessary to prepare as per the plan but also to change some details minute by minute,” he signed off.