NIRAJ PRABHU
PANAJI
FC Goa will face Jamshedpur FC in Saturday’s Super Cup quarter-finals in Bhubaneswar and the Gaurs defender Carlos Pena believes it will be a ‘very tough game’. With Sergio Lobera’s boys not winning in their two engagements with the Men of Steel in the 5th ISL earlier this season, the knock-out match-up promises a proverbial ‘no holds barred’ contest.
FC Goa had been outplayed by Cesar Ferrando’s boys 4-1 in Jamshedpur while in their home game, the Gaurs could only manage a goalless draw. With that background, Pena feels that both teams will go into a fierce battle trying to seal their place in the semi-finals.
“It will be sure a very tough game against Jamshedpur. We have not been able to defeat them in the ISL. And I think, they will also want to win this game. So, it will be a good game for both teams,” said the experienced versatile defender.
The 35-year-old Spaniard has endured the heartache of a narrow defeat in the ISL5 final and feels that winning the Super Cup will be important for the team to finish the season on a bright note.
“For the players, staff and the club, this tournament is very important because we want to forget the feeling of losing the ISL final. We are focussed on that (and) if we win this trophy, the season will be very good for all us. We will try to do this,” stressed Pena, who has made an instant impact in his first season at FC Goa by bringing stability into the heart of the Gaurs defence since making the switch from his left-back position.
“The season has been good for me along with the team. I have played a lot of games. I feel my importance in the team. (and) Well, now it’s a moment to negotiate and try to have a deal for the next season,” claimed Pena, showing his willingness to extend his stay at one of the most-followed clubs in the ISL history.
Meanwhile, Pena, who has stamped his class as a thinking footballer and a fatherly figure guiding youngsters in the FC Goa side, had encouraging words for the I-League outfit Indian Arrows, who FC Goa had got the better of 3-0 in the pre
-quarterfinals.
“I liked the team a lot. I saw they were working tactically...they are kids with a lot of talent. They were unlucky at some places (in the game). We are more experienced team and that made the difference. But, I think many guys from that team have a brilliant future,” opined
Pena.
