FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando (left) and Captain Edu Bedia share a moment after winning against Bengaluru FC
FC Goa has returned to winning ways in their last two matches against SC East Bengal and Bengaluru FC. The Gaurs are back in the fray as they are one win away from the top four. As the ninth seed, FC Goa will look to build on the winning momentum.
Gaurs Head Coach Juan Ferrando opined on the team's morale and state after a two-game winning streak. He said, “Feelings are better, of course, after two victories. However, we must stay focused and keep working in the same direction. We cannot be satisfied after just two wins.
“I think we still have to improve a lot. I do not want to assess whether we have been better or have done better. Obviously, positive results help to see things a different way, but today as a team there is still a lot of room for improvement,” he added.
Ferrando discussed how the team has undergone key tactical changes. He said, “The idea of how to play is the same,” remarked Ferrando. “As a coach, my job is to put players in situations where they can perform their best. And in this instance, the change was to try and place players where we think we should retain superiority in numbers.”
Ferrando voiced his pleasure with the performances of Aibanbha Dohling and Mohamed Ali, who had a challenging start to the season. “I am happy with their performances. When you don’t have too many opportunities, I think it’s difficult to get it right,” opined Ferrando. “However, the important thing is that all the players are ready when the team needs them. And in this sense, everyone is doing very well,” he expressed.
He also expressed his delight with the growth of the first year Gaur, Devandra Murgaokar. In their two victories, Devandra has scored one goal and two assists. Ferrando said, “Devendra has never stopped working, whether he was in or out of the squad for matches,” said Ferrando, speaking on the forward.
“He has always worked to help the team and I think right now he is enjoying the result of his great and constant daily work. Every praise thrown at him is well deserved.”
Juan Ferrando also spoke about FC Goa's upcoming game against the three seeded Hyderabad FC. He said, “Hyderabad is a very good team and has performed great so far. Last season they were one step away from playing in the playoffs. I think they are working to grow the team, with a good squad and good signings of foreign players.”