Kolkata: Atletico de Kolkata won their crucial semi-final first leg clash against Mumbai City FC on Saturday, but most importantly they will not have to face Diego Forlan at Mumbai since the Uruguayan world cupper was suspended.
It was sheer frustration that led to Forlan’s ouster with a second booking when he kicked Jewel Raja from behind in a malicious action.
“He was left frustrated like he can’t do nothing. We did a great job to contain him. I’m absolutely happy with the match. We have dominated full 90 minutes,” Atletico coach Molina said after the match in Kolkata.
Having achieved their first target to win in the first leg semi-final in the Indian Super League football, former champions Atletico de Kolkata’s next aim is to secure a final berth.
“The job is not finished yet. We are closer to our second target which is to go to Kochi for the final (December 18) but for that we have to play with the same intensity. We will think about the trophy once we secure a final berth,” Molina said hailing their 3-2 win in the semifinal first leg against Mumbai City FC.
Iain Hume’s double strike following Lalrindika Ralte’s opening goal saw them edge past Mumbai.
Talking about the semi final second-leg coming up on Tuesday, a relieved Molina said, “Now, the most important thing is to recover. You have to recover because you have to play with the same intensity. I am happy because I have players on the bench that I can use for the next match. But I don’t know. I will think about that when I go to sleep.”
The Spaniard further added, “With the ball we had a lot of chances, Doutie on the right and Ralte on the left. But we are not done. We have to go to Mumbai and play 90 more minutes.”
On making as many as six changes to the team including dropping star goalkeeper Debjit Mazumder, Molina explained “I don’t think we have a clear first 11.
“It doesn’t matter if we play with Prabir or Pritam. Everyone is working. We did not have Arnab due to injury and Kinshuk is training hard from the first day and he got a chance.
“I am happy because I have a great team and great players trying to help the team. We will try to choose the best 11 in the next match.”