ATKMB look to quell Odisha challenge

Kolkata: On paper, ATK Mohun Bagan have the edge over their Saturday's Indian Super League play-off rivals Odisha FC, but coach Juan Ferrando will not be taking the game lightly. Although playing at home-Salt Lake Stadium will be an added advantage, ATKMB will be wary of the 'surprise element' that Odisha are likely to bring into the match.

Odisha coach Josep Gombau did sound a warning when he said, "Every game is different. We faced them (ATKMB) twice in the league, drawing one and losing the other. Now it is time to win," he said. In fact, Odisha have never ATKMB in the ISL. Of the six matches between them so far, ATKMB have won three and the rest ended in stalemates.

That bit of statistics would please the home fans, but Ferrando doesn't want to read much into it. "We only have to work on the details, and that will be important because Odisha this season have been good at many things," he said, indicating he is not taking anything for granted. It will be a new ground for Odisha as they have never played in the play-offs before. Gombua is aware of its significance. "It is an important game because, in the knockout stage, only a win will bring us to the next level. We are ready and well- prepared for this encounter. All players are fit and available for this match which is very good news," he said.

For ATKMB, hoverers, play-offs have been a routine affair in their three seasons in the ISL. They have been at beaten this stage every time. "Our plan is the same. Of course, this is a different type of match, but we will continue with the same plan we had in place all season. It is not necessary to change because sometimes too many changes are bad for the team," Fer- rando said.