ISL Season 8: ATK Mohun Bagan edged past Chennaiyin FC courtesy of a solitary goal from Roy Krishna who scored on his return. The win also meant that the Green and Maroons have secured their semifinals berth in the current Indian Super League campaign. They became the third team after Hyderabad FC and Jamshedpur FC to qualify for the last four. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.IN
Head coach Juan Ferrando was reasonably happy with the effort that his men put in to secure a 1-0 win over the Marina Machans. The Spaniard is happy with the performances of his players and the trust that they have shown in him since joining the club mid-season.
FULL-TIME | #CFCATKMB
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@atkmohunbaganfc secure the semi-final spot after a narrow win 🆚 @ChennaiyinFC!#HeroISL #LetsFootball #ChennaiyinFC #ATKMohunBagan pic.twitter.com/juLKw1Tzzo
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 3, 2022
Reflecting on the game
The Spanish tactician highlighted how they controlled the game in the first half. He also shared how the pressure was on his men whereas it was a dead rubber for the opponents as they played freely.
“To be honest, I think in the first half we were in a better position, attack-wise, and we were trying to find open spaces but of course, in the second half, it was very tight. As compared to normal games, there is more pressure in games like this because we are thinking of the three points, a semi-final spot but for Chennaiyin FC it was the last game, it is the time to enjoy the game. And when you enjoy the game, you play better as compared to playing under pressure,” Ferrando said at the post match press conference.
Whether a 1-0 win was a bit dangerous?
Ferrando was not happy with the way his team played in the second half as the Mariners failed to create clear cut chances and did add more goals to their tally. Speaking on whether 1-0 was dangerous for the Mariners or not, Ferrando said, “No, in the first half, my point of view was that we had more clear chances to make it 2-0 maybe. In the second half, we were not at our best, the team was not fresh, there weren’t clear opportunities and we were losing the ball in passing. In transition, we were not improving. I’m happy with the players who are trying to do their best every day.”
Roy Krishna coming back to form
It was a great moment for Roy Krishna and ATK Mohun Bagan fans to witness the Fijian back in his full glory as he scored the solitary goal on his return to the starting eleven. When quizzed whether his talisman is getting back to form right at the perfect moment in the current campaign, Ferrando shared, “I am happy for Roy because it has been a difficult time for him with quarantine, Covid-19, newborn baby. He and his family had some difficult moments. But hopefully, this is finished, just twenty more days and everybody will be out of the bubble. Then we will have a normal life and enjoy.”
Main aim is to win the Shield
The Spanish tactician admits that his main aim for the season is to finish at the summit and win the ISL Shield. But he still credits teams like Kerala Blasters, Jamshedpur and Hyderabad FC for their exceptional seasons.
“I hope Odisha FC help us and next Monday it will be a final. Well, Jamshedpur FC have been amazing this season. And in the end, if they take three points against Odisha, it will be a moment to congratulate them as it has been a good season for them. It is necessary to accept fair play about the job. We will see what happens now. My target is to win and we’ll win (to go) on top of the table. But maybe in case that is not possible, it is normal. We will have to accept that. Jamshedpur as well as Kerala, for example, Hyderabad had an amazing season. They are working hard, got good results, good squad and players. I think it is necessary to talk about the rest of the teams,” Ferrando concluded.
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