AGENCIES, FATORDA: Despite FC Goa’s excellent performance and qualification into the play-offs head coach Sergio Lobera was against the favourites tag in the Indian Super League this season.

FC Goa booked their place in the play-offs season after a convincing 3-0 win over Kerala Blasters FC at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Monday. Two goals from Ferran Corominas and Edu Bedia in the first-half and a third by Hugo Boumous in the second-half helped the Gaurs top of the table.

Speaking at the post-match press conference Lobera gave the example of Bengaluru FC, who many considered as the best team last season but lost to Chennaiyin FC in the final.

“If you see what happened with Bengaluru FC last season, who many believed favourites but then lost to Chennaiyin FC, who went and won the title. I think there are no favourites as such. We need to stay humble and work hard in order to gain success. We have to keep our feet on the ground," he said.

The Gaurs have now five wins in a row for which Sergio expressed his happiness over the improved team efforts and defence.

“I’m very happy with the much improved defense and also as a team. We have been successful in our chances that the team has taken. We have achieved the goal which FC Goa had considered at the beginning of the season”, he added.

Speaking over the upcoming Bengaluru match on February 21, the Spaniard said, "This will be an exciting affair as we will be playing for the top spot but we have very short time and we will keep ourselves prepared in the best possible way”.

Kerala Blasters FC head coach, Nelo Vingada congratulated the FC Goa team for reaching the finals and also praised the team and coach for their excellent performance.

“To be honest , FC Goa is the best team. We did not play bad as we created many changes before the first goal in fact we had also scored one which was considered off side”, he said.

Defending goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh over his mistake for the second goal the coach said, “I believe the second goal was like the key of the game but football is all about mistakes and without mistakes there are no goals”.

It may be recalled that in the 25th minute when FC Goa striker put Anas Edathodika under pressure, forcing the former India international to play a risky backpass to goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh which the youngster attempted clearance fell straight to Coro. With Dheeraj well off his line, the Spaniard squared the ball for Edu Bedia to finish.

"We have some young players in the team and when you have some you have to be prepared for mistakes. Dheeraj is only 18-years-old and he is learning to be better. We have to learn from mistakes and I have confidence in him," he concluded.