FC Goa have lost their last two matches in the ongoing AFC Champions League against Iran’s Persepolis FC and they will look to bounce back stronger in the tournament. In fact, the Gaurs were annihilated by 4-0 in the previous match by Persepolis FC.
The team’s head coach Juan Ferrando is hopeful that his team can put in an improved performance against Qatar’s Al Rayyan when they play their fifth match of the Group stage at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Monday.
The 40-year old Spaniard feels it is not going to be easy for his team as the players are exhausted after playing four matches in a short duration. Furthermore, the Gaurs have injury woes.
Ferrando said, “The second leg is different. Firstly, because the players are tired. After 10-12 days and four games, the players are tired. It’s a different game but let us not forget that we will be playing against a very good team.”
“In 16 days, six games are very difficult [next game for FC Goa on April 29 against Al Wahda]. Of course, our squad has nearly the same problems as the other teams. We have injuries also. The players don’t have big injuries but they are very tired. For us, the last two games are very important.
“To prepare the plans, it’s very important to be strong psychologically because it’s a pleasure to participate in the AFC Champions League. We want to do the best on the pitch in the coming games.”
Ferrando added it is not easy to bounce back when you lose by a margin of 4-0 but they will aim to come up with an improved performance and also hinted that he is going to change the playing XI.
“…When you lose 4-0, it’s difficult, of course. I then had to understand why the scoreline was not good before explaining it to the players, and then explain the new plans. It is also important to think that the first experience is key. I know we can change, we can improve and prepare a new plan. The players are ready. I am so happy because we will be better than the last two games,” said Ferrando.
FC Goa had come up with a fine performance against Al Rayyan in their previous encounter as they had held the opposition to a 0-0 draw. The Gaurs will look to come up with a collective and an improved performance.
