ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando expressed his disappointment after his side were held to a goalless draw against Chennaiyin FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Chennai, on Saturday.

Spoils shared in Chennai. #ATKMohunBagan #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/6e2jJlz2UL

— ATK Mohun Bagan FC (@atkmohunbaganfc) January 21, 2023

Both sides created multiple chances but had nothing to show for it as the spoils were shared in Chennai. The result ensured that Hyderabad FC qualified for the Hero ISL playoffs, while Chennaiyin FC and ATK Mohun Bagan failed to make any progress from their current position in the standings. Ferrando felt both teams tried their best to gain the three points and was displeased with the end result.

“We had some big chances to win the match. Chennaiyin FC also had three-four clear chances. In my point of view, both sides are disappointed because both tried to get the three points and tried to win. At the end, it’s a draw and point for both teams. It’s not good for us. At this moment, we are not in the best moment in terms of our performances during the season. But it’s necessary to focus on the next game,” Ferrando said in the post-match press conference.

Manvir Singh started his first game after making a return from injury, but couldn’t cause much problems for the opposition defence. Liston Colaco and Dimitri Petratos, who were also part of the starting eleven, too had their chances and registered two shots each, but couldn’t beat the keeper. Ferrando backed his forwards to bounce back in the upcoming games.

“Sometimes it’s part of football. Maybe we need to work on the emotional aspect. This season we have created a lot of chances, but we missed them. In this case, our wingers have not had a lot of success this season. But I support them because I trust in them. But this is the problem. Sometimes it is necessary to support the players when we have no success and continue working because when you are working 100% you will have success in the future. We are disappointed because we lost points. But my target is to work and help them,” he explained.

The Mariners have scored only 17 goals across 14 games this season. Dimitri Petratos (five goals) and Hugo Boumous (four goals) have contributed nine of their 17 goals, while ATKMB’s Indian players have strugged to find their feet. Ferrando felt pressure might have got to the young Indian players, but backed them to come good in the future.

“ATK Mohun Bagan is a big club. There is a lot of pressure, this is the truth. And in this club, only victories are accepted and it’s difficult for the players. My target is to support the players and help them. Kiyan (Nassiri), Liston (Colaco), Manvir (Singh), (Mohammad) Fardin are young players and I want to help them. It’s a difficult job because it’s normal when you are at a different club and this pressure doesn’t exist,” he stated.

“You can work more with the young players, take your time when you have a draw, change some details, it’s good when the message is positive. But here, what is accepted is that you win and play well. But I accept this challenge. I am not scared. If players accept this pressure in three-four years, in their best moment of their career, their performances will be better. And they can support the club and the national team,” he concluded.