When the two teams clashed earlier in the season, the Islanders demolished ATKMB 5-1 but things have changed a lot since then as the Mariners are unbeaten in their last seven games while MCFC are winless in their last six.
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ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando feels that the Indian Super League “at this movement is more or less crazy” as “everybody can win against everybody”. The Spanish coach was speaking to the media ahead of the match against Mumbai City FC at Fatorda Stadium on Thursday. When the two teams clashed earlier in the season, the Islanders demolished ATKMB 5-1. However, things have changed a lot since then as the Mariners are unbeaten in their last seven games while MCFC are winless in their last six.
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It’s not just a game. It’s a question of pride and honour ?@atkmohunbaganfc will look for revenge against @MumbaiCityFC tonight, as they aim for their first #HeroISL win over the Islanders! ?#MCFCATKMB #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/QYwBT9Cc1H
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 3, 2022
Ferrando was asked how he would approach the game given the outcome of the previous encounter. The Spaniard said: “I think it’s totally different. Now, at this moment you know they are working for one month, I think to be honest it’s not one month, it’s just only two weeks because one week was in quarantine and everything. And I think the league at this moment is more or less like crazy, you know everybody can win against everybody. You have to be clear in the plan you know and think in this case maybe we have a success.”
ATKMB are coming into the match on the back of a come-from-behind 3-1 win against SC East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby and they have won three of their last five games. Whereas MCFC are winless in their last six games and have been struggling to find the back of the net. Des Buckingham’s side has netted just three times and conceded eight goals in their last four games.
Asked if this is the perfect opportunity for ATKMB to face the reigning champions, Ferrando said: “To be honest, no. I’m not thinking about it. I’m thinking about the three points for us. It’s very important because we want to be at the top of the table and to work in this way. Of course, our target is to get three points, to prepare a plan to get three points, that’s all I’m not thinking about. For me it’s another game. I think it’s good to play this game because I know their (Mumbai City FC) style. I know their things. We, of course, will try to do the best in the game.”
Since the arrival of Ferrando the Mariners have been in very good form having not lost a game in the last seven league fixtures. They currently sit in the fifth spot with 19 points from 11 games. However, the top-four race has intensified with eight teams well in contention to make the playoffs.
Asked about ATKMB’s top-four ambitions, Ferrando said: “To be honest for me, the last nine games are very important. I think it is good for the ISL now, for the supporters, when you check the table, everybody has opportunities. And then what happens, all the games are more competitive, you know. But okay, for now, our target is to try to do the best to get three points.”
