Ahead of the clash against UAE’s Al-Wahda FC in AFC Champions League, FC Goa’s head-coach Juan Ferrando and midfielder Glan Martins addressed the media in the pre-match press conference.
The Gaurs made their debut on Wednesday against Al-Rayyan and managed to draw against the Qatari side.
“About the last game, I think the score was good because we played against a tougher team like Al-Rayyan. But we want to improve more and our target is to continue in the same way. Of course, it’s necessary to have control in some details in the attack because we did not have success in that thing,” said Ferrando.
Meanwhile, Al-Wahda lost their first match against Persepolis and now aims to give a tough fight to FC Goa.
“Al-Rayyan is in our past. Now our target is the next game. I need to put to attention that, I know their coach, I know their style. We need a new plan for tomorrow’s game. We need to control some minor but important details on the field. If we keep the ball, it will be very difficult for Al-Wahda to attack,” Ferrando confidently said.
The head coach mentioned saying about the mentality the team should possess, as after every three days there is the match where less time is available for team preparations.
“The last game was a different game and now it will be different. It’s very important to control our emotions and the mentality of the team. We should not lose our attention, because it’s not only about one game but we have five more games to play.
“Again here, if you play home and away matches you get enough time for preparation which affects players’ recovery,” he added.
The Spaniard quoted about the improvements needed in the team and said,
“For me, the most important thing is to work collectively and be a team. We need to improve more in some things. We know about our quality of the squad. I think it’s a good opportunity for the players because when you play six games at this level, they understand the positional attack, the timing of their press, control & transitions, and many more things. For us, it’s a masterclass every game.“
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Glan Martins played an impressive match against Al-Rayyan, which caught the attention of many. The Spanish midfielder Edu Bedia partners while in defense Ivan Gonzalez and James Donachie push up higher if needed alongside Glan.
“All these players like Edu, Ivan, Donachie gives me more motivation to do my best. Even if any mistake happens, they are there behind you to help.
“Even before the match, it was like let’s help each other. Now I think, we have to focus on the next match. We have to take forward the same motivation and momentum in the next match also,” said Glan Martins.
The 26-year old commented about the difference between Indian Super League and AFC Champions League.
“We all know AFC Champions League is a very competitive league where the standard is also very high compared to ISL. I think, as a team, we did well in the first match. We just need to continue and keep going.“
“I am hoping (for national team call up) but, I need to keep working hard. One match does not make me a good player, so should maintain my good work for a longer time,” Glan Martins concluded speaking about his aim to play for the Indian national team soon.
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