We controlled the game, happy with result: ATK coach Molina

Atletico de Kolkata coach Jose Molina on Sunday said despite controlling the match for large parts, the hosts ended up with a 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) game at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium here but he was happy with their play.

"We controlled the game but they scored one and we were surprised. The second goal was lucky. I am happy with the way we played," Molina told reporters at the post match media conference.

South African winger Sameehg Doutie and Canadian striker Iain Hume scored either side of two Chennaiyin FC goals in the second half to bring ATK back into the game after the hosts frittered a 1-0 lead to trail 2-1. Jayesh Rane and Hans Mulder scored for the visitors.

"I am happy with the way our defenders played. The two goals shocked us. We will try hard to win the next games. Maybe we should have won this one too but they got the two goals."

Molina refused to blame Tiri, whose header changed the trajectory of Mulder's shot from distance to guide the ball to goal, saying it he was plain unfortunate.

"It was a lucky goal. He (Tiri) had a good game. I have no complains."

On Helder Postiga who picke up an unnecessary booking towards the end of the match forcing the coach to substitute him with Prabir Das, Molina said: "Those things happen. He had a good game and was influential in providing few assists."

Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi said there is always something to improve after a game.

"There is always something to improve otherwise the game would have ended 3-0. I don't only judge the full backs, the entire team played well," he said.

Full backs Mehrajuddin Wadoo and N. Mohanraj had a bad game as both Javi Lara and Doutie exploited their slow pace.

Materazzi denied that the team is under pressure for being the defending champions.

"I don't think there is o much pressure as we are defending champions. You have to forget about last year. Yes we don't have Mendoza this year.A But we have proved that everyone can score," Materazzi said.

--IANS

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