ATK Mohun Bagan’s head coach, Juan Ferrando wants his side to focus on beating Bangladesh-based side Abahani Dhaka at any cost in the play-off round match of the 2022 AFC Cup at the Salt Lake Stadium on 19 April.

The Mariners reached the final playoff round after a 5-0 win over Blue Star SC in the previous round but he wants his team to take the next step and reach the AFC Cup group stage. 

“I have seen some of their matches in the Bangladesh League. They are well-protected. There are seven days to prepare. If we win this match, we will be able to play in the group stage of the AFC Cup. So I want to win at any cost," Ferrando was quoated as saying by anandbazar.com. 

Playing without some of their key players such as Sandesh Jhingan, Roy Krishna, and Liston Colaco, ATK Mohun bagan eased past breezed past Blue Star SC without much trouble.

Ahead of the match against the Bangladeshi side, centre-back Jhingan has been seen practicing with a physical trainer at the training ground adjacent to Yuvbharati Stadium. However, it is not clear whether he will be able to play against Abahani. 

Coach Ferrando does not want to take the slightest risk with one of the best defenders in Indian football at the moment. On asking about the availability of Roy Krishna, the Spaniard said, "I am not upset if Roy has a problem or if a player has an injury. Because everyone on the team is ready to take the field. There is David Williams to fill the void left by Roy. "

ATK Mohun Bagan face Abahani Dhaka at the Salt Lake stadium in Tuesday.