Former Arsenal fitness coach Juan Ferrando recently led ATK Mohun Bagan to victory in the Indian Super League playoffs.
From Arsenal to Indian Super League
Juan Ferrando, a former Arsenal fitness coach, recently led ATK Mohun Bagan to victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs, securing the title for his team.
A journey that began at Arsenal
Ferrando, now 42, worked as a fitness coach under Arsène Wenger at Arsenal in 2010.
Reflecting on his time with the club, he said, “Working with Arsenal was a great experience, both personally and professionally.”
He also praised the organised structure and top-level professionals at the club, which contributed to the development of both first team and academy players.
Praise for Arteta’s Arsenal
In an interview with the Guardian, Ferrando expressed his happiness at seeing Arsenal perform well under fellow Spanish coach Mikel Arteta, saying, “I am glad to see the club under another Spanish coach is now shining at the top of the table.”
Football coaching journey
After leaving Arsenal, Ferrando worked under Gus Poyet at Brighton, gaining valuable experience in different coaching roles.
He then took on more senior roles back in Spain, Moldova, and Greece, further honing his skills and understanding of the game.
Embracing Indian football
Ferrando’s arrival in India in 2021 marked a new chapter in his career.
He initially joined Goa before moving to ATK Mohun Bagan the following year.
Ferrando said he was struck by the warmth and friendliness of Indian culture, which made his transition easier.
ATK Mohun Bagan’s road to the title
Ferrando’s team finished third in the regular season, 12 points behind Mumbai City.
They faced tough competition from Josep Gombau’s Odisha and Manolo Márquez’s Hyderabad, but managed to overcome them in the playoffs to reach the final against Bengaluru.
Dramatic ISL final
The ISL final proved to be a thrilling encounter.
With five minutes remaining, Bengaluru led 2-1, but ATK Mohun Bagan’s Dimitri Petratos equalised to take the game to extra time and ultimately penalties.
Ferrando motivated his team, saying, “I told them I was confident they could do it, that we were going to win the game.”
In the end, ATK Mohun Bagan emerged victorious, marking a remarkable achievement for Ferrando.
With his success in India, Ferrando has demonstrated the value of diverse experiences in football coaching.
His journey from Arsenal to the Indian Super League serves as an inspiration for aspiring coaches around the world.