The 2021-22 season of FC Goa Football Team starts on Tuesday as they face Army Green in Group B of the Durand Cup. The match will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Stadium in Kolkata. Being on a 15 unbeaten run in ISL, FC Goa is the favourite to win the match. The other teams in Group B are Jamshedpur FC (ISL) and Sudeva Delhi FC (I-League).
FC Goa is focused on winning the campaign. On the eve of the match, FC Goa’s coach Juan Ferrando said, “Last season was a bit difficult because we had a very short preseason due to the pandemic. This time around, we had the opportunity to work with the team more. The players really are really focused and keyed in,”
“This is our intention. To get better each day. To prepare for the AFC Champions League as well as the Durand Cup.” he added.
In the press conference, Ferrando also talked about his discontent regarding training facilities. He said, “I am aware that this is only September and it’s difficult to prepare all the training centres. But for us is to focus on our job. This is the time to see the young players, develop the team. We are trying to do our best and not make excuses.”
“The most important of the facilities is the training ground. If they are in good condition, it becomes easier for us to prepare the team. At this moment, the going is difficult. We are having to put attention to prevent injuries. At this moment we are trying to find solutions to these points. Our players are professional players and they need a good training facility.”
Even FC Goa captain Edu Bedia also agrees that the team is very confident about the 2021-22 season. The longest-serving player at the club feels that the Gaurs are the best team in the country and want to win trophies this season. He said, “At this moment, I believe we are one of the best teams in the country. This year we want to win all the trophies.”
In the other Group B bout, Jamshedpur FC beat Sudeva Delhi FC 1-0 on Monday with Lalruatmawia’s decisive goal in the 34th minute. Sudeva Delhi couldn’t convert the penalty kick.