FC Goa to play fresh legs against Persepolis FC in AFC Champions League second leg match at Fatorda Stadium on Friday night. FC Goa in the last match lost 2-1 to Persepolis FC and two sides are facing each other once again in three days,’ time.
FC Goa after plating out 0-0 draws against Al Rayyan of Qatar and Al Wahda of the UAE, the side hopes to turn out the situation for better as the Persepolis FC only won with a narrow difference of one goal.
Juan Ferrando Fenoll is a Spanish football manager currently managing FC Goa. And he strongly believes that Adil Khan supports the team a lot as he has got the leadership characteristics.
Playing three matches in a week for the FC Goa side is tiring and players are exhausted and as a result, Ferrando wants fresh legs to come up for the fixture and he hopes it can make a difference that can lead to success for the Indian club side.
“Adil helps this team a lot. He is a leader, an amazing player, and a great person. But at that moment, I had to make the change. It’s not normal (to change so early) but in minute 25, we were down by two goals. Our aim is to win. That’s why we made the substitution,” said Ferrando.
“Adil was here in January and he helped a lot. He played a lot of games, he was the leader in defense (in ISL) and helped the young players. “Our plan against Persepolis was not successful and it’s not because of Adil. No, not at all. With Adil, there are more positive details. For me, it’s a pleasure to work with him. I continue to push him, I need him,” said Ferrando.
Bedia is a doubtful starter for Friday’s match after getting a knock.
Read More
‘It can be tricky for all the teams to play six games in 20 days but it has not been that big of a problem for us. We need proper preparation after each matchday so that we can participate with the best possible condition,’ said Ferrando ahead of the match.
‘We know the next game will be difficult but this is the AFC Champions League and the expectations are big. I’m happy with the players and the way they have performed although there are some areas we need to improve.’ Talking about the fitness issues being faced by his side, Ferrando said, ‘Edu Bedia who scored the first goal for any Indian team in the prestigious top-tier league, is a big doubt tomorrow.”
