ISL 2022-23: FC Goa were better than us: ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando admitted that FC Goa was better than them after they lost by 3-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Sunday. FC Goa dominated the contest while Mariners were not at all up to the mark.

The home team took a total of eight shots on target whereas the visitors could not even manage a solitary shot on target. This is FC Goa’s first win over ATK Mohun Bagan in the Hero ISL.

Aibanbha Dohling, Fares Arnaout, and Noah Sadaoui scored for the hosts in the second half to give a comprehensive win to their team.

Sharing his thoughts on the match, Juan Ferrando said in the post-match press conference, “Honestly, I think that FC Goa were better than us. In the first half, our performance was a disaster. This is the truth. We were slow in build ups, very slowly in our press. Yeah in the second half, I think after the injuries, because we had some players with injuries, the performance continued in the same line. The second goal of FC Goa was a difficult moment for us. But there is not possible to talk so much. I think FC Goa was much better again in the game. That’s all just accept the reality.”

The Spaniard was disappointed by his team’s insipid performance and feels they didn’t turn up on the field.

Asked if there were any positives after a poor show, Ferrando said, “I didn’t know it. When playing home/away all the time, it’s difficult. Of course, I’m disappointed because there is only one team was on the field. It is FC Goa. This is the truth. FC Goa was much better. I’m very disappointed about our performance because FC Goa was better in pressing, better in build-ups, and all (other) points.”

Ferrando feels it is important to move on and focus on the upcoming matches of the tournament.

He concluded, “Now, I think it’s necessary to clear the mind to be ready for the next days. Now this is the past. It’s necessary to learn some details of course, but forget (this result) immediately because the championship continues.”

ATK Mohun Bagan will next face Hyderabad FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Saturday.