FC Goa aims to start the new year with cheerful ambitions.
Their first opponents in 2022? Kerala Blasters!
“They (Kerala Blasters) are in good form,” says Derrick Pereira, head coach of FC Goa.
Tomorrow’s opponent for the Gaurs – Kerala Blasters have turned into a contagious attacking side who have outclassed their fellow ISL outfit in terms of tactics and are establishing their place into the top four since the season started.
On the other hand, Goa lost the first three games which were enough to question former Spaniard head-coach Juan Ferrando‘s style of play. They bounced back later, registering two wins and drawing the next two games. Of course, for these results, the club had to change its dynamics.
“We have improved our defensive department since the last few matches. We gave very few chances in the last two matches,” said Pereira.
“The time between matches doesn’t allow us to work in-depth with the team. Most of the time, recovery is the priority and it’s difficult for players too, to perform if any problem exists.”
FC Goa conceded sixteen goals out of which most were from set-pieces.
Also, injuries have haunted Goa’s season, adversely affecting the team’s performance. Indian international Brandon Fernandes is still out due to injury, while Airam Cabrera, Mohammed Nemil, Redeem Tlang, Edu Bedia missed the matches in between.
“Injuries, sicknesses and additionally suspensions affect team selection. We cannot field the specific players in some specific due to all these factors,” Pereira told IFTWC.
Ferrando changed camps in-between season and chose ATK Mohun Bagan which was one the most talked-about ‘transfers‘ of 2021.
‘Chaos‘ should be the right word to describe the number of events that have happened at FC Goa since the season started but the Gaurs are slowly finding the rhythm in their traditional possession-based style of football.
Well, problems haven’t ended in the scoring department. FC Goa have recorded just one goal in the each of the last 4 matches.
“It’s true that we are still finding the right combination to field upfront. We want to get back to our old identity as an attacking sided team. We have enough players hence we need to get them into good shape. It’s a process.
“Aggressiveness and composure is the most needed factor among the players to finish and score goals whenever we are creating chances,” said Pereira.
Anwar Ali has been registered and set to don the FC Goa jersey soon.
Pereira didn’t fail to hint out emphasizing ‘the club is working and discussing if anything has to be done during this winter transfer window.’
For sure, if FC Goa successfully pulls the trigger against Kerala Blasters, a year lies ahead targeting many more goals and wins.
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