I would have loved to face Chennai in the finals to gain revenge
but this will do too. Clifford needs to guide the players while keeping
Sergio’s philosophy intact. Coro and Hugo need to get on with whatever is
taking them to the next level. We have full faith in the boys to see us through
this season. Being in the final and not bringing home the cup last season will
be the Gaurs’ biggest motivation in this season’s play offs.
CONRAD BARRETTO, CO-FOUNDER, GAUR ARMY
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FC Goa is the most entertaining team of the Indian Super League,
with various records under its name and all credit goes to ex coach Sergio
Lobera’s hard work over the past three years. I am happy that Clifford Miranda
has continued his style of play. The winning factor for FC Goa will be the
attacking style of play which the Gaurs are known for. I am looking forward to
the away game and wish the combination of Jackichand, Hugo and Coro work in
favour for the FC Goa Team.
AMAN BANDEKAR, BUSINESSMAN, CANACONA
FC Goa heads into the semi-finals against Chennaiyin FC, on the
back of five successive wins. I feel the recent change in coaching staff has
not had a negative impact on their on-field performance, as seen in their last
game, a convincing 5-0 thrashing of Jamshedpur FC. I strongly feel Lobera has
built the character and foundation of this team so tactfully that these
victories only reflect the outstanding training which was provided by coaches
for last three years. I am personally looking forward for the performances of
Lenny Rodriguez, Mourtada Fall and magic created by Hugo and Brandon Fernandes.
MALCOM FERNANDES, SELF EMPLOYED,
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
FC Goa has the ability to bounce back most times. I must
compliment the medical team led by Dr Nelson of FC Goa that has been working
hard to maintain the fitness of our players so well. Kudos to Captain Fantastic
Mandar Rao Dessai who has consistently motivated all the players to get back
stronger and ensuring the morale in the dressing room is upbeat despite ups and
downs. I want to see Ferrán Corominas’ magic on the field and him bagging the
Golden Boot along with ISL Trophy this year.
KURT D COSTA, SELF EMPLOYED,
BAMBOLIM
I am super excited to travel to Chennai for the first leg of the
semi-finals. I am sure we will be taking revenge at the Nehru Stadium in
Chennai. The character of FC Goa is to never give up and we as the 12th man
will be supporting the team in large numbers. I have planned some posters and
banners in support of Mourtada Fall, Mohammad Nawaz and Brandon Fernandez,
whose outstanding performances have led to the berth in the Asian Champions
League.
KAUSHAL PATIL, SELF EMPLOYED,
SHRISTHAL
The performance of FC Goa has been outstanding with various
records to its name. We have some of the finest players who deserve to go to
the national team like Lenny Rodriguez and Seriton Fernandes. The style of play
gifted by Lobera and his support staff is the true reflection in FC Goa’s
success stories. If we continue the Tiki Taka style of play under the able leadership
of Interim Coach Clifford Miranda, I feel that no team can come in our way. The
simple mantra what FC Goa should follow is adopt the Lobera style and success
will be achieved in auto mode.
ASHLEY PO, SELF EMPLOYED, PANJIM
FC Goa is mog for me. I have never missed a single game of this
great team. It has given me hopes, aspirations and dreams about Indian football
going to the next level. Today, as FC Goa marches into the semi-finals, I will
be remembering the moments of the last three years when we reached so close to
the trophy but could not take it home. This year, the finals are scheduled to
be played at Fatorda; it is time to create history. FC Goa should play their
natural game and keep their defence tight, particularly in the second half of the
game and moreover the players should not lose their calm and get unnecessary
red cards as it was last year.
SHUBHAM FALDESSAI, SELF EMPLOYED, QUEPEM
