IFTWC presents to you the pre match press conference of ATKMB, ahead of their tie with Jamshedpur FC tomorrow.
ATK Mohun Bagan, after a dream start to the league, faced a heavy upset against Mumbai City FC, losing 5-1 to the Islanders.
While fans do accept the Mariners’ drawbacks in the game and the obvious dominance that Buckingham’s men had over them, the game faced serious criticism in terms of poor officiating and decision-making by the referee. The game was marred by moments where some prudent decision-making could have avoided the shameful scoreline.
Coach Habas expressed his disappointment about some of the so called biases displayed during the match including when Mumbai were awarded a goal despite it being an alleged offside.
“For me, this match is in the past. It is very important for me to not look at excuses. I feel Mumbai was better in this match but the performance of the referee for me was embarrassing absolutely.”
On regular impact makers Hugo Boumous and Roy Krishna failing to deliver, the coach said, “They have hundred percent determination. Apart from Hugo and Roy, there are more players on the team and they have to improve immediately.”
On being asked about changing the formation in the previous match—
“There is the possibility to play with three defenders, four defenders, five defenders. It depends. Last match we played with four in the second half because we had training for five possibilities.”
To the question, if the gaffer is going to play a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 formation in the Mariners’ upcoming match against Jamshedpur he said “I don’t know.”
“I don’t want to talk about any special players in the opposition, I think their midfield department is good. They are a very difficult team, a competitive team. They are solid in both attack and defense.”
ATKMB have won their first two fixtures including the Derby against SC East Bengal. They look to bounce back after the ruthless Mumbai game and grab some points tomorrow against Owen Coyle’s men.
Tiri will be available for tomorrow’s match, as confirmed by Antonio Habas Lopez, as the men in green and maroon steady themselves for another tough battle in the league this season.
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