PTI, KOLKATA: Juan Ferrando started the league as FC Goa’s chief coach and on Monday officially took over charge of struggling Kolkata giants ATK Mohun Bagan even as Gaurs’ top leadership expressed its “surprise and disappointment” at Spaniard’s sudden change of heart.
The announcement comes just a day before the struggling Mariners take on North East United FC in their seventh match of the season.
“I will give my 110 per cent from day one so all fans can enjoy the best brand of football and hopefully we can celebrate together soon. I will consistently work towards helping our team give 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 their president and co-owner Akshay Tandon expressed his surprise and also accused ATK Mohun Bagan of poaching.
“With disappointment I’d like to confirm that @JuanFerrandoF has triggered his release clause, obliging us to release him of his duties so that he can join @atkmohunbaganfc.”
Tandon said that Ferrando left no room for discussion.
“As long the money gets deposited in our accounts, we do not have a choice in his decision. This has come as a surprise to us, @JuanFerrandoF informed us of his decision this morning. He left no room for a discussion or a negotiation,” Tandon tweeted.
However Tandon stated that poaching coaches in this day and world is a fair game.
“Poaching our coaches, staff and players is fair game but I hope better sense and sportsmanship prevail in the future. We would have at least liked the opportunity to inform our squad ourselves. To our fans, I’d like say, ‘Do not worry’. This will in fact make us stronger.
“It may not seem like that now. I’d like to ask your love and belief in your club. We are @FCGoaOfficial. We have a championship squad and there is already a full strength of coaches and staff to fill in the gaps in the short term,” Tandon wrote.
ATK Mohun Bagan play NorthEast United FC on Tuesday and Ferrando is likely to be in the dug-out.
