PANAJI
In an exclusive chat with The Goan, FC Goa midfielders Boris Singh and Borja Herrera shared their thoughts ahead of crucial match against Chennaiyin FC once again. Boris Singh, reflecting on his performance this season, emphasised the importance of team success over individual achievements. He acknowledged the tough competition within the team but highlighted the learning experience from his teammates. Borja Herrera, on the other hand, expressed his satisfaction with his adaptation to life at FC Goa and his positive working relationship with Coach Manolo Marquez.
Both players expressed confidence in FC Goa's ability to secure a victory.
Boris Singh Thangjam, FC Goa Midfielder
Q: Boris, you've had two goals and an assist this season, alongside 27 appearances. How do you assess your season so far, especially with tough competition from teammates like Udanta, Brandon, Rowllin and others?
Boris: Success, in every way possible. That gives me confidence, and I'm learning a lot from them. Some of my teammates are of my age, so we're happy altogether. Goals and assists are good, but winning as a team is the most important.
Q: You've scored against Chennai before and assisted against them as well. How do you see their team ahead of the upcoming game?
Boris: They have a good team and a good coach. We played against them last week, and they played well in the first half. But we need to focus on the next game. We have a good team and a great coach too. We need to stay focused and give our best to win.
Q: What's your experience working with Coach Marquez?
Boris: I'm very lucky to play under him. He's a great coach and a great human being. I've been learning a lot from him, and he's been helping me improve. The whole team has been working well with him, and I'm grateful for the opportunity he gives me to play.
Q: Do you believe FC Goa will win the ISL Cup this season?
Boris: Yes, I believe in our team. We've worked hard and deserve to win. But anything can happen in the playoffs. We need to focus on tomorrow's game step by step and try to win.
Q: How important is tomorrow's game?
Boris: It's very important for us. It's do or die. We need to give our best and try to win the game tomorrow.
Q : Lastly, any thoughts on the fans of FC Goa?
Boris: The fans have been amazing. We need them in the stands because they are like the 12th man for us. Their love and support give us motivation to play. I'm thankful for their support, and I hope everyone comes tomorrow to cheer for us.
Borja Herrera, Midfielder, FCGoa
Q: Borja, how does it feel to have completed half a season with FC Goa? What are your thoughts on the club, your teammates, the staff, and life in Goa?
Borja: I am very happy here in Goa. I've gotten to know the players and staff well, and I've adapted very well to the team, the city, and everything here. I feel very good.
Q: How does it feel to work with Manolo again, the coach who gave you your debut in La Liga and later introduced you to Indian football with Hyderabad FC? Is it easier for you to work with him than other coaches?
Borja: Yes, it's true. When you work with a coach over different years, it's easier to adapt and understand the way he wants to play. It's very easy for me to adapt here because I know the coach well, and we have a very good relationship.
Q: FC Goa finished the first half of the season unbeaten, but the start of the second half didn't go well, leading to missing out on the ISL League Shield. Do you have any regrets, and do you think the team could have done better in those situations?
Borja: We always try to win every game and get points. But in some games, we faced difficulties with scoring, and for that reason, we're not happy. However, now we're focused on the playoffs and aiming to win the trophy.
Q: In the last match against Chennai, you scored, and now you'll be facing them again. What are your thoughts on tonight's game, considering it's a knockout match?
Borja: We expect to face a completely different team tonight. It's a knockout game, not like the regular season. We need to be focused on every minute and every action in the game. If we perform well and play in the right way, we'll surely win and advance to the semi-final.
Q: Any message for the fans?
Borja: I hope they support us during the 90 minutes, and we'll try to give them the win and the trophy.
