Panaji: FC Goa's hopes of clinching the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 Shield may be slim, but they are determined to give their all in the remaining two league matches. The first of these crucial clashes will see them face Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Jamshedpur FC, currently sitting in 10th place on the points table, has had a challenging season with three losses and a draw in their last four matches. Although they are out of the playoffs race, they aim to end the season on a positive note by securing a win against FC Goa.
FC Goa, currently in fourth place, is eyeing a higher finish in the standings to secure a better position in the playoffs. With only three points separating them from third-placed Odisha FC, a win against Jamshedpur FC could potentially propel them to third place or even second if they secure victory by a significant margin.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez emphasized the challenge posed by Jamshedpur FC under their new coach Khalid Jamil. Marquez acknowledged Jamshedpur's improved performance in the second half of the season, highlighting their noteworthy victory over Mumbai City FC.
Marquez emphasized the difficulty of ISL matches, regardless of the opponents' standings. He mentioned the tough encounter against Hyderabad FC, where FC Goa struggled to break the deadlock in the first half despite facing the bottom-placed team.
Reflecting on FC Goa's performance throughout the season, Marquez expressed disappointment over the recent string of draws and losses. However, he remained optimistic about the team's chances and stressed the importance of finishing the regular season strongly.
With Mumbai City FC leading the pack with 44 points and Mohun Bagan closely behind with 42 points, FC Goa faces tough competition for the top spot. Marquez acknowledged the unpredictability of the league and emphasized the need for his team to focus on their performance rather than external factors.
Looking ahead, Marquez highlighted the importance of winning both remaining matches to secure a favourable position in the playoffs. He expressed confidence in his team's hard work and determination, noting that Tuesday's match against Jamshedpur FC would provide further insight into their league campaign's outcome.
In addition to aiming for a high finish in the points table, FC Goa seeks to build momentum for the playoffs with victories in their upcoming matches. As they prepare to face Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa remains focused on their goal of clinching the ISL championship, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the league campaign.
