File photo of Juan Ferrando
Juan Ferrando, who started the ongoing ISL season as the head coach of FC Goa, on Monday officially took charge of Kolkata legends ATK Mohun Bagan.
The announcement comes a day before the struggling Mariners face North East United FC in the seventh match of the season.
“I will give my 110 percent from day one so that all fans can enjoy the best brand of football and hopefully we can celebrate together soon.
I will work relentlessly towards helping my team be at their best,” Ferrando said in a statement.
The 40-year-old invoked his release clause to part ways with FC Goa in the middle of the season and his chairman and co-owner Akshay Tandon expressed surprise and accused ATK Mohun Bagan of poaching.
“It is with dismay I want to confirm that @JuanFerrandoF has triggered his release clause, obliging us to relieve him of his duties so that he can join @atkmohunbaganfc.,
Tandon said Ferrando left no room for discussion.
“As long as the money is deposited in our accounts, we have no choice in their decision. It comes as a surprise to us, @JuanFerrandoF informed us of his decision this morning. He leaves no room for discussion or conversation,” Tandon tweeted.
However, Tandon said that in this day and in the world poaching coaches are a fair game.
“It is fair game to hunt down our coaches, staff and players, but I hope to have a better sense of humor and sportsmanship in the future. We would have liked the opportunity to at least inform our squad ourselves. To my fans, I would like to say, ‘Don’t worry’. It will really make us stronger.
“Maybe it doesn’t seem like that now. I want to ask about your love and trust in your club. We are @FCGoaOfficial. We have a championship team and already have the full strength of coaches and staff to fill the gaps in less time.”
ATK Mohun Bagan will take on NorthEast United FC on Tuesday and Ferrando is likely to be in the dug-out.
Ferrando was appointed coach of FC Goa last season and under him Gaur made it to the last four, losing to eventual champions Mumbai City FC on penalties.
He also made history for FCG, becoming the first Indian club to score a point in the AFC Champions League in the group stages earlier this year.
He coached FC Goa to the Durand Cup title here in October after beating Mohammedan Sporting 1-0.
This season, FC Goa has slipped to the eighth position in the table after losing its opening three games – Mumbai City, Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC.
However, before a thrilling draw against Hyderabad FC, Ferrando reversed his fortunes with two consecutive wins against SC East Bengal and Bengaluru FC.
On Ferrando’s departure, football director Ravi Puskar said: “We are very disappointed to have lost Juan.
His decision to leave the club was unexpected and came as a surprise especially at this juncture of the season, where we are in the middle of the season.,
Pushkar said that he had kept the club in the dark.
“We are particularly disappointed that we were kept in the dark until yesterday morning where he stated his desire to leave the club.
However, once he stated his stand and the release clause was activated, we were left with little option.
I wish Juan a bright future.,
Assistant coach Clifford Miranda will take the interim charge of the first team.
– PTI. with inputs from
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