With an unchanged squad, FC Goa faced UAE’s Al-Wahda in the second matchday of the AFC Champions League. The clash between the two ended sharing one point each where the shot by Brandon Fernandes hit the goalpost while Dheeraj Singh made some astonishing saves for the Gaurs.
FC Goa’s head coach Juan Ferrando addressed the media in the post-match press conference and talked about the performance of the team and more.
“In my opinion, we played with a very good team of course, because it’s the Champions League. I am happy for some attacking points, we were better in the positional attack. I am happy, but this is a problem for all the teams, not just for me. The players are very tired. We need to change the plan about the tactics in defence. The team is right to fight for the win but we need to improve more and we need to put a new target in our mind,” said Ferrando.
FC Goa created many chances to score by putting the ball behind the Al-Wahda defence, but due to lack of proper finishing in the final third, they couldn’t convert that into the goals. The Spaniard said,
“Not only us but they also had many chances. I think we can improve on these things. The preparation time is less between games as players are very tired. We need to maintain the balance between defence and attack.
“I am happy because our chances were not in set-pieces, but it was in the build-up. In transition, we need to improve in last part of the pitch (final third). Our new target is to improve in these minor details,” he added.
Ferrando continued and said, “I know my squad and I know all players want to improve every day and this is very important thing. It’s pleasure for me to work with this amazing coaching staff and players. We should not forget that in two days we have to play Persepolis. In the end, it’s necessary to control our emotions, keep working on new plans and keep improving.“
The 20-year old goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem made some stunning saves, bagging the second clean sheet in the tournament.
“Dheeraj made good saves. He needs to improve passing because we play a style where we build up from the back. Earlier Dheeraj had played in the Under-17 national team. Now, everybody knows he is a very good goalkeeper and it’s amazing to work with Dheeraj, as he is just 20 years,” concluded Ferrando.
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