Panaji
Coach Petr Kratky expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and the important three points gained from a strong opponent.
"It feels great to secure the three points, especially against a quality team like Goa," he said. "We still have areas to improve, but we’re on the right track. The boys showed great teamwork and fought hard until the end, which is crucial when playing away."
Krátky highlighted the importance of all aspects of the game, including set pieces. "We’ve worked hard on set pieces in training, and it's nice to see that effort paying off with goals. Scoring from set pieces is vital, especially in tight matches."
Reflecting on past experiences, he mentioned learning from previous mistakes. "We need to be cautious with a 2-0 lead, as it can be a tricky score. We advised our players to stay focused and work hard, especially in the second half when the other team will push for goals."
Looking ahead to their next match against Odisha, Krátky stated, "We’ll review today’s game to identify areas for improvement. For now, I want the team to enjoy this win and recover well before we prepare for the next game."
Regarding player injuries, he said, "As far as I know, everyone is fine, but I’ll have more information later."
Krátky addressed the physical nature of the game, noting that tiredness and injuries were expected. "It was a tough match, and if players are exhausted or injured, we need to make substitutions. This is part of football."
He acknowledged the support of the fans, saying, "A big thank you to our fans. Their support is invaluable, and we appreciate every minute they cheer for us. We aim to deliver strong performances at home as well."
Lastly, he commented on the strategic aspects of the game. "We have our game plans, but we must adapt to what happens on the pitch. Winning away is never easy, and our players showed determination until the final whistle."
As for whether more playing time could have changed the score, he said, "It’s hard to say. There was enough added time, so we played plenty of football. Now, we focus on the next challenge."
