MARGAO
One of the more respected sides in the ongoing ISL from the outset of the competition given their envious attacking displays, FC Goa have had a rather testing, unpleasant last couple of weeks in their campaign. Their last three matches have seen the team fall from their pedestal with unconvincing results that saw them take a point on either side of a defeat. FC Goa would look at rectifying the situation at home on Thursday when they face new-entrants Jamshedpur FC, who have reinforced the notion that a strong defensive shape can stifle the best of the aggressors in the opposition.
Keeping that in perspective, FC Goa coach Sergio Lobera would do well to realise he is up against a side with a mindset viewed totally differently to a unit that has shown a semblance to show teeth upfront in recent times.
At a press briefing at Fatorda on Wednesday, the Gaurs' Spanish gaffer tried to reason out on the surprising major shuffle in his last match against his belief to repose faith in a playing XI. From a draw against ATK, to four first XI changes less than three days hence against Northeast United FC was an element of surprise not many could fathom. This included even the previous game, Hero-of-the Match in central midfielder, Edu Bedia who had the spark to provide incisiveness in attack when need be, not handed a start. Explaining the situation at hand that prompted four first XI changes in the last match, Lobera had this to say. "The obvious reason was that we played two matches in four days. In the first match (Kolkata, January 3) we played in uncertain and adverse circumstances (10.45 pm match start, 9.00 pm airport arrival). Something we are not normally used to playing. In the second game (Guwahati, January 6) we had to rest some players as I put my players above the result ultimately (hinting on uncalled for fatigue factor). But at the same time our aim was always to get three points in both games. We thought that we had the best option to do so in the choices we went with. The first game that took place under special circumstances based on which we had to make changes in the second."
Given the fact that FC Goa have lost the momentum after holding sway for the first five games and netting 12 points while yielding a single point from the next three, Lobera acknowledged that certain situations make, the scenario look worse. He put it down on missed penalty opportunities and not taking the lead for results that could have made the equation look much healthier. "We need to learn from our mistakes, each game here on and understand that we need to put in our 100 per cent starting against Jamshedpur FC to have an opportunity to be with teams at the top," the former Barcelona youth coach asserted.
With the transfer window to open on January 15, Lobera refrained to speak on reinforcements. "As a coach, it is not something I would talk about which would equate to lack of respect to my players. I am content with the players at my disposal. I am confident that they can perform to the best of their abilities to achieve the desired results," he remarked.
Knowing what he is up against, a side with clean five sheets and with only two losses, he is well aware to overpower the Steel City side who are arguably the strongest defensive unit, the Gaurs have to be on their front hooves. With the cognizance that FC Goa playing five games from their next seven, at home, he revealed these five home matches will reveal how good the team really is. "These five games at home will show us if we are a team capable of competing for the play-offs or need improvement," he ascertained. The faith in his boys and the support of their fans coming to watch them play at home or even otherwise is the thrust that could speak in unison on the FC Goa funda #WeTogether in the days to come starting Thursday at Fatorda.
Meanwhile, his counterpart, Steve Coppell helming Jamshedpur City FC this season was quick to acknowledge that the game against the Gaurs, would be highly interesting. "It sounds like it is going to be a good contest. It would be a test of our defence against the most fluid attacking unit that score freely as shown against a number of sides. Our challenge is to stifle that threat and do our best to hurt them as well, the former Manchester United player maintained. A side known in competition to having conceded the least goals but at the same time not scoring many, are certainly out to prove a point. The Steel City side would look to carry a newfound vigour upfront if their last match at home served any indication. The former Kerala Blasters FC Head Coach hinted at the weakest link in the opposition with an intention to maximise the result in their favour. "We certainly have not come here (Goa) to defend and keep the opposition out but want to play a full part in the game. We not only want to do our jobs defensively, but also try to expose any weakness they may have at the back," stated the shrewd tactician.
Big hopes on consistent incisiveness in Jamshedpur's attack that have shown promising signs recently are reposed on Coppell's boys from
here on.
