KOLKATA: In Juan Ferrando's school of thought, bigger the occasion bigger are the challenges. So, if the Indian Super League is a school examination, the AFC Cup is for the big boys preparing for a "university" test.
With this philosophy in mind, Ferrando and his students prepare for a far tougher and intriguing test against Dhaka Abahani Limited in the final preliminary round qualifier at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday, knowing that the 5-0 demolition of Sri Lanka's Blue Star SC a week ago is a thing of the past and what lies ahead is a big examination for the big boys.
"International competitions are like a university. In school you learn a lot, but your best moments are in a university. The ISL is a good high school, but the AFC is an international competition which is like a university," Ferrando said during the pre-match press conference on Monday.
"It's an international competition and everyone wants to do the best. In football everything is possible in 90 minutes," he added.
Ferrando is leaving no stone unturned in helping his players get ready for the 'university' examination. If managing to watch video footage of the opponents is part of this preparation, Ferrando highlighted how "great" Abahani are in transitional play. The visitors also have in former Chennaiyin FC midfielder Raphael Augusto someone who has first-hand knowledge of ATKMB and Indian football.
Ferrando also has some injury issues to take care of with Sandesh Jhingan and Liston Colaco still doubtful and Roy Krisha, who has gone back to Fiji for a family bereavement, set to miss another game as well.
Abahani got a walkover in the first preliminary round but their captain Nabib Newaj Jibon admitted that the match against Ferrando's brigade is like a "final".
"ATK Mohun Bagan are a big team but we are ready to give our best tomorrow," said the skipper.
Last year, when Jibon underwent a knee surgery in a Kolkata hospital, ATK Bagan captain Pritam Kotal helped him and stood by his side. On landing here, the Abahani captain even gifted Pritam with a hisla fish.
Such gratitude and friendship will take a back seat when the two sides meet on Tuesday as a lot is at stake for them.
The winners of this match will make the Group D of the continent's second-tier club tournament with I-League reigning champions Gokulam Kerala, Bangladesh's Bashundhara Kings and Maziya Sports and Recreation Club of the Maldives. All Group D matches will be held at the Salt Lake Stadium later in May.
Abahani's Portuguese coach Mario Lemos told the reporters how his players and others in Bangladesh follow ISL and how ATKMB pose a threat to their ambitions.
However, he insisted that Abahani players won't be intimidated by the sense of occasion and would enter the field planning for an upset.
Despite missing a few key players in last match, the likes of Joni Kauko, Hugo Boumous and David Williams rose to the occasion while youngsters like Kiyan Nassiri grabbed their opportunity in handing Ferrando's team a facile win against the Sri Lankan opponents.
But defender Pritam is aware that the Dhaka-based team is an entirely different and difficult challenge.
"Tomorrow is another final for us. Abahani are a very good team and we have respect for them. But we're ready for the match and hopefully we'll win to make the group stage," Pritam said.
