Target was always to get three points, says ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando after draw against Odisha FC

ATK Mohun Bagan returned to action after a couple of weeks break and were held to a 0-0 draw against Odisha FC in their latest Indian Super League clash a the PJN Stadium.

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando was not happy with the result and he made it clear with his response at the post-match press conference. The Mariners were sensational in the first half as he squandered several chances to break the deadlock. It was a more of an even game in the second half but the Spanish tactician expected his team to leave the field only after taking three points.

“I am not happy because our target is to get three points in each game. I understand the feelings everybody has after a lot of days spent inside the room in quarantine. The players were not fresh, a lot of points going against us,” Ferrando began at the post match press conference.

Ferrando highlighted how Odisha FC were the team in more rhythm and it was a difficult match for the Mariners as they only had two training sessions. “My point of view of today was that it was a difficult game. Odisha played a game last Tuesday, they are fresher. When you play, you have a rhythm. At the moment, we have had two trainings, to be honest, some players were out of the quarantine in the last 24 hours. It is difficult with the risk of injuries. The game is very important when you have chances to score.”

Liston Colaco has been exceptional for the Green and Maroon this season. He has scored five goals and with the chances that he had against the Kalinga Warriors one would feel that he missed the chance to securing another brace to his tally. Therefore speaking on Liston squandering chances, Ferrando feels that it was sheer luck and nothing to beconcerned about his decision making in the final third.

“No, for example, he had two clear chances today. I think it is unlucky, in fact, the keeper was better with good actions which is the truth,” the Spanish tactician answered when asked about concerns over Liston’s decision making.

ATK Mohun Bagan will now face arch-rivals SC East Bengal in their next clash. The Red and Golds have recently seen a turnaround after appointing Mario Rivera as their new head coach. However, Ferrando did not pay much heed to the Kolkata Derby as he is more concerned with recovery for his players.

“Now the most important thing is a good recovery. I hope all the players are out of their room, finishing their quarantine. Step by step, day by day we will see,” Ferrando concluded.