Durand Cup is in the past, we’re looking ahead: ATK Mohun Bagan’s Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando has opined that the team will look to be at their best in the Inter-zonal semifinal of the AFC Cup against Kuala Lumpur City FC. The Mariners were recently knocked out of the ongoing Durand Cup but the Spaniard feels it is now the past and they are looking ahead.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata giants lost against I-league champions Gokulam Kerala FC by 2-4 in the opening Group D match of the AFC Cup 2022.

However, the Mariners were able to bounce back stronger by beating Bashundhara Kings by 4-0, and then they also defeated Maziya S&RC by 5-2 to top their group.

Thus, ATK Mohun Bagan made it to the inter-zonal semifinals of the AFC Cup 2022 after winning their last two matches convincingly.

ATK Mohun Bagan gaffer revealed it is a crucial game for them and their preparations have been up to the mark.

Juan Ferrando said in the media interaction, “I think it’s an important match for us and our preparations are good. We know it’s a difficult match because at this moment, in the knockouts, you know we’ll play big clubs and it’s important to be ready for these matches.”

ATK Mohun Bagan could not qualify for the quarterfinal stages of the Durand Cup after they could only manage two wins in four matches. Ferrando revealed that their focus is on AFC Cup and the players are motivated and ready for the big game.

Ferrando added, “​​I think these are different tournaments. The Durand Cup is in the past and our focus is on the AFC Cup. It’s the most important thing in football to think about the present and future. We’re playing very good teams here and we’ll try to work in different ways because for us the AFC Cup is very important and it’s necessary to prepare the team in different ways for the upcoming championships. The players are ready and motivated for the game. They’re thinking about the future as a club, and I hope we’ll be happy after the match.”
The match will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata and ATK Mohun Bagan will have the home advantage in front of their fans.

Speaking on the same, the Spaniard said, “I think it’s a pleasure to play at home because we’re playing in front of the fans. The players are professional, the staff is professional and we’re thinking about our game. We’re trying to do our best. I think it’s good to play at home because that is amazing as I know the supporters and I know the stadium. It’s amazing when you play here. But the start will be 0-0, it would’ve been an advantage had we started the game 3-0. If everyone feels like we’re the favourites to make the finals, it’s a game of 90 minutes. In these games, it’s possible that anything can happen.”