It was difficult for the players to play under such pressure: ATKMB head coach Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando was delighted after his team defeated the previous season’s runners-up Kerala Blasters FC by 5-2 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on Sunday. The Mariners were playing in front of the opposition’s home fans and Ferrando feels it was difficult for the players to play under such pressure.

However, the visitors were able to bring their best to the pitch to secure their first win of the season. Dimitri Petratos scored a stunning hat-trick for his team while Joni Kauko and Lenny Rodrigues also found the back of the net for the tourists.

In fact, Kerala Blasters were the first to put themselves on the board when Ivan Kalyuzhnyi scored in the sixth minute of the game. However, the Mariners were able to show their class in the remainder of the match.

Ferrando stated the atmosphere of the match was amazing, “Honestly, it’s good to play here. 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. 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.”

With the Kolkata derby on the cards, the Spaniard feels his team needs to stay focused and they need to keep working on their strengths to get the best result in the upcoming matches.

Ferrando said, “You know, I explain it every time, each match is different. In the Hero ISL, it is totally different. You had two-three good scores, which means you are the better performer, you are more motivated, but here the possibilities can change everything. 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 also added that he was relieved to finally get the first three points of the season for the Mariners.

ATK Mohun Bagan will take on East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on 29th October.