FC Goa are set to take on the Islanders on their reverse fixture for the season tomorrow in what will be match number 87 in the Indian Super League. In the previous outing between the two, Mumbai City FC grabbed the three points with FC Goa being down to ten men. It will now be interesting to see how FC Goa approaches this match as it is a crucial game for them to stay inside the top four and make it to the playoffs. But a lot has changed since the last outing between these two sides
Coach Juan Ferrando and goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem addressed the media in their pre-match press conference. Here’s what the club had to say about the upcoming match:
Dheeraj Singh said,
“Honestly, it is not easy to start again after having sat in the bench for almost one and a half years. But we are professionals, we train every day. And whenever we’re given an opportunity, we should be able to make the most out of it. Before going to ATK, whichever club I represented I played almost every game for them – Indian Arrows and the other clubs. And sometimes I get really frustrated when I don’t get chance to play. I’m just 20 years old now and what I need is the game time to develop myself.
“The playing style we have in Goa is totally different from what we had back in ATK (now ATK Mohun Bagan). Here in Goa, goalkeeper gets to build most of the play. It is not an easy task even though it may seem like one from the outside. I’m working really hard to better myself in that aspect. It is a new challenge for me, and I’ll work hard every day and be the best version of myself.
Coach Juan Ferrando said,
“For me this (match against Mumbai City FC) is just a normal game. I want to grab the three points. I want us to work according to our plan and implement it in the pitch. We also have to improve in certain aspects. But it is not a special match for me because this neither a semi-final nor a final.
“In the matches that we drew, I guess our plans for them were not the best. But the match against Kerala Blasters FC and SC East Bengal was very difficult, with only ten men on the pitch and a different defensive line. I’m happy how Ali and Aiban have stepped up. But against NorthEast United FC, I’m disappointed because those two penalties were avoidable. Mumbai City FC may be a stronger team than us, we may have to talk a lot. But we will put all our focus into the full course of the game tomorrow.
“The pressure is always there for winning all the games ahead. Getting the three points is important. Mumbai City FC is a team where the coach and the player have played together for the last three years. In our case, we are a new contingent. So, these sorts of pressure will always be there.
“Brandon’s injury, it has been difficult for him. He has been working a lot to recover. And for the others, some players are facing some problems, of course. But now we are more or less at the end of the season, and maybe 24 hours before the game we can make the players take some tests and do some exercises to try and make them fit. And if everyone is fit, we’ll see what changes can be made. But we have a good squad prepared for tomorrow’s game. I have 26 players now in my squad and I believe in all of them.”
Both of them signed off.
Follow IFTWC via our website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram pages/channels for all the latest updates on Indian Football and download our app from the play store.