We tried everything but were unsuccessful: Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando was saddened with his team’s defeat as Jamshedpur FC won the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) League Winners’ Shield on Monday, ending the Mariners’ 15-match undefeated streak at the PJN Stadium in Margao, Goa.

In the last game of the Hero ISL 2021-22 league stage, Ritwik Das’ 56th minute strike separated the two teams.

The Men of Steel will now meet Kerala Blasters FC in the semi-finals on March 11th. ATK Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, finished third and will face Hyderabad FC in the second semi-final on March 12th.

In the post-match news conference, ATKMB Head Coach Juan Ferrando praised his rival Owen Coyle’s squad and season, but emphasised the need of focusing on the semi-finals following this game.

Here are some excerpts from his press conference:

With two semi-final matches coming up, how significant is this loss? How do you feel right now?

Of course, we’re not feeling well. We only had one chance in this last game, and we knew it would not be easy, because we needed to win by a score of 2-0. We tried everything but were unsuccessful. However, I believe it is now vital to consider the semi-final game.

You stayed on the field until the very finish. Was this pre-planned, or was it a spontaneous display of sportsmanship?

No, it’s a good indication for me. They were first after a four or five-month competition and won seven games (in a row). I went there to express my congratulations. Because this season has been ideal for this team.

First loss for you as a manager of ATK Mohun Bagan. Will that play in your mind before going to semi-finals?

To be honest, right now I don’t know. I need one-two hours and I’ll take a shower. But yes, then we need to be ready for the next game that is the semi-final. Of course, as a team after this defeat we are not feeling good. But tomorrow is a new day as a head coach, I need to push the players and the coaching staff and get them ready for the Saturday’s match.

How do you see the two games against Hyderabad FC going?
Well Jamshedpur FC, Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters FC they are in the semi-final because they all had a very good season. It’s time to enjoy the games. But in the semi-finals and final in my point of view everybody will witness good games because it’s not the same pressure. Of course, everybody wants to win but after the twenty games everybody wants to enjoy the last three games.