ATK Mohun Bagan’s attacking midfielder Hugo Boumous revealed the pep talk given by the new head coach Juan Ferrando which led to a much needed 3-2 win over NorthEast United FC in the Hero Indian Super League at the PJN Stadium, in Fatorda, on Tuesday evening.

The Highlanders drew first blood as early as in the second minute of the game, and it took almost another 45 minutes for their rivals to restore parity. The green and maroon brigade took the offensive route in the second period, as Boumous scored a brace to seal the deal, before Mashoor Shereef pulled one back in the dying minutes.

“(The head coach) Just instructed us to enjoy the game to try to take pleasure. Of course we did some changes to our tactics, just a few changes you know, because he came only yesterday night, so we didn't have too much time to work with him. But tonight we saw many interesting stuff we did on the pitch,” stated Boumous, after the win.

“We just tried to play, take pleasure on the pitch and go forward. And because we didn't have that much success in the previous game, we just tried to play football, maybe changed a bit of our style. Even we tried the same with Antonio (Lopez Habas). We were unlucky in the previous games but tonight we've been more lucky, but there is still a lot to improve,” added the footballer.

NorthEast United FC centre-back Patrick Flottmann was disappointed with the way his team defended in the game and their response after the Mariners took the lead in the second half.

“I think we started off really well when we got one up and then I think it was similar to a few other games that we've had this season. Once the opposition got in front, we kind of dropped our heads and we can't do that. I think today as well, we were a bit off in the defense. We had (conceded) some soft goals and we shouldn't concede like that,” remarked Flottmann, during the post-match interview.

ATK Mohun Bagan forward Liston Colaco, who scored the side’s first goal in the match, was relieved with the win and expects the result would revive their confidence after the four-match winless streak.

“I'm very happy with the three points. To gain our confidence, we needed to win this match. So after two draws and two losses, and with some big changes in the dressing room, we are happy with this win,” said Colaco, who was awarded the Hero of the Match.

NorthEast United FC is set to face league leaders Mumbai City FC on December 27, at the same venue. Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan will be up against FC Goa in their next match on December 29, also at the PJN Stadium, in Fatorda.