ACL 2021: FC Goa eye on a win to remain in contention for knock-out stages
FC Goa will hope to win to stay in contention for knock-out stages
Head Coach Juan Ferrando’s side after the huge loss at AFC Champions League against the Iran club, beaten 2-1 and 4-0 by last edition runners-up Persepolis FC of Iran.
The FC Goa would also be chasing its last win of the ACL 2021 after starting with two goalless draws, the other one being against Al Wahda of the UAE. Not to forget the Goa side the league stage winners of the 2019-20 Indian Super League.
FC Goa boss Ferrando, over 20 days, we have injuries and there is fatigue in spite of that he believes that incoming match they will deliver to retain the pivotal spot in the tournament to remain in contention for knock-out stages.
🗣️JO on whether FC Goa can beat Al-Rayyan:
The game will be just as tough as the first one, if not tougher. They are a team that is full of quality. We will look to play to the best of our abilities. We know what is at stake here. #RYNGOA #RiseAgain
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) April 25, 2021
“The second leg is different. Firstly, because the players are more tired. After 10-12 days and four games, the players are tired. It’s a different game, but let us not forget that we will be playing against a very good team,” he continued.
“It is true, the level of competition in the AFC Champions League is similar to what we are more accustomed to in Europe. The intensity of the games is higher,”.
“On the pitch, the one big difference is the amount of time and space you get on the ball. In the ISL, a lot of teams tend to stick to one strategy throughout the entire game. In the Champions League, teams adapt to you a lot quicker, they analyze you quickly. Once you do something, you’re not going to have the chance to do it again,”
“In 20 days, (playing) six games is very difficult. Of course, our squad has nearly the same problems as the other teams. We have injuries also. The players don’t have big injuries, but they are very tired. For us, the last two games are very important,” he said, before adding, “To prepare the plans, it’s very important to be strong psychologically because it’s a pleasure to participate in the AFC Champions League. We want to do the best on the pitch in the coming games.”
Naveen Kumar replaced Dheeraj Singh on it Ferrando said: “The decision was tactical, of course. We prepared a plan, and it was not successful as evident from the scoreline. But, 90% of the substitutions we made were tactical decisions.”
Moirangthem Dheeraj Singh will be back in the squad in place of Naveen Kumar, FC Goa will also be bolstered by the return of captain Edu Bedia.
Ferrando talked about Psychological problems as well
“Firstly, it was about my (own) psychology. When you lose 4 – 0, it’s difficult of course. I then had to understand why the scoreline was not good, before explaining it to the players and then explain the new plans. It is also important to think that the first experience is key.
“I know we can change, we can improve and prepare a new plan. The players are ready. I am so happy because we will be better than the last two games.” Juan Ferrando continued.