Kolkata : ATK Mohun Bagan turned the events all the way, as they qualify for the inter-zonal semifinals of the AFC Cup 2022 after clinching two consecutive high margin wins against Bashundhara Kings and Maziya SR after losing their opening encounter to Gokulam Kerala FC.
While this mammoth task seemed highly unlikely, ATKMB head coach Juan Ferrando took some bold decisions that led to positive effect for the Mariners.
With main central defender Tiri being stretchered off the field,in their opening encounter, along with midfield pivot Hugo Boumous picking up an injury, Juan Ferrando seemed to be in dire straits. However, his tactical genius was evident as he was swift to act on his shortcomings.
With the defensive woes of his team being exposed to the bones against Gokulam Kerala FC, Juan Ferrando opted for a more defensive team bringing in the defensive midfielder Deepak Tangri to assist the defence consisting Pritam Kotal, Subhashish Bose and Prabir Das. Although Sandesh Jhingan was sustaining an injury the coach took the risk of playing the central defender. Juan was bold enough to drop his regularly playing custodian Amrinder Singh to give him a rest, understanding his fatigue after conceding four goals.
Liston Colaco, the 23 year old forward, has been the Mariner’s key to success in the AFC Cup Group stage campaign. Being directly involved in six goals- fours goals and two assists in only three games.
At the same time all around performance of Joni Kauko in the midfield in Hugo Boumous’ absence. 19-year old Arsh Anwer added to the pride of the gaffer as the custodian averted away the danger for his team atleast ten time in both the games.
However, the kind coach credited the passion and love of the fans as the most important aspect that inspired the comeback while offering them his gratitude for “taking the storm ” with the team.
