AFC Cup playoff: Juan Ferrando wants his side to respect Abahani Dhaka ahead of must-win game | OneFootball

ATK Mohun Bagan head coach, Juan Ferrando has opened up on their upcoming AFC Cup playoff game against Bangladesh side, Abahani Limited Dhaka on April 19 - revealing that it is important to respect their opponents.

Ferrando's side cruised to a 5-0 win over Blue Star SC preliminary round 2 of the AFC Cup last week and there is no doubt that the Mariners will go into the game full of confidence. However, the Spaniard knows that despite the win, his side will need to do the basics right and put up a good show on the night.

"A lot of respect for the opponent because this is the same case from a week ago. It's a very difficult game and it's very important to respect the opponent because it will be difficult," Ferrando said when asked about the game.

Ferrando's appointment as head coach last December changed the fortunes of Mohun Bagan as he led them to third place in the recently concluded Indian Super League (ISL) season. He will want to ensure that his side comes up on top against Abhahani as a win will ensure that they join Gokulam Kerala FC (India), Bashundhara Kings (Bangladesh) and Maziya Sports and Recreation Club (Maldives) in Group D of the main competition.

All the matches of the above-mentioned group will take place at the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata, from May 18 to May 24, 2022.