PANAJI
FC Goa's local-boys Brandon Fernandes and Mandar Rao Desai are raring to go as the start of Indian Super League Season-4, nears. Both the young guns want to fire on all cylinders to help the Gaurs, and stake claim for a place in the Indian national football team.
"I am really looking forward to having a great ISL. I am very excited to play in front of my home crowd. I have been working hard on my strength and just want to keep playing to help my team. Hopefully, I can stay free of injuries and continue my good run, then I can be in the Indian team," 23-year-old attacking-midfielder Brandon from Benaulim told The Goan.
One of the only two players retained by FC Goa and set to feature for the Gaurs in all four editions of ISL so far, left-winger Mandar is rediscovering himself. "I am eager for the ISL-4 to start. I have learnt a lot of new things as the Spanish coach has been trying out different combinations with foreign and Indian players," said the 25-year-old from Guirim, who has predominantly played as a left-winger so far in his career, but is now trying out a new position.
"Coach has been telling me, I could play as a left-back. He told me to try. ‘You can make mistakes, but it also might click and you can be a better player', Lobera told me. I have been playing there for last two-three games. The coach later appreciated my performance and I also feel better that I can play in the left-back role," explained Mandar, who scored two goals in the last practice match from full-back position.
Brandon outlined Lobera's expertise in tailoring perfect roles for each player suiting to the attacking philosophy of the former Barcelona assistant-coach.
"Lobera has his own philosophy, he has a plan for every player with a specific role on pitch. When we have the ball, we have a free run to help the team. My role is attacking; when I get the ball, I try to penetrate and get behind the lines," explained Brandon, who is one of the best technically-sound young player in the country.
Asked whether he has a fixed position in attack, the former Churchill Bros playmaker said:" It depends on the coach wherever he wants me to play alongside the foreigners. We keep changing our positions, and it helps the team as well, as it makes it difficult for the opponents to mark us. We have players like Edu Bedia and Manuel Lanzarote, who can play central midfielders, but depends on coach, how they set up. Although, they are more of attacking players, coach sometimes play them as ‘No. 8' like the main central-midfielder. Ahmed Jahouh is like the backbone of the team, as he has to control the game, playing between midfielders and defenders. He does his role really well."
Mandar hailed the advice coming in from the likes of Manu and Edu. "Their tips, give us great confidence. We have been together and team spirit in the camp is amazing," said Mandar. He formed an explosive partnership on the left-flank with Brandon, who played as left-winger in the recent practice matches.
