Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Riding on Durand success, FC Goa will look to end their ISL title drought as they begin their campaign against their rivals Mumbai City FC at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, today.
The Gaurs finished last season on a 15-game unbeaten run – an ISL record and a point in Monday’s game against Mumbai will see them further extend their run.
This run of results has seen Juan Ferrando lead the Gaurs to 5 wins and 10 draws en route to the unbeaten record. The Gaffer believes the match against the ISL champions wouldn’t be different from last season despite having some new names in their side.
“My point of view, more or less, Mumbai City FC are the same, their head coach is now thinking like the ex-coach. I’m thinking they are working more or less in the same style. Now, the team except Hugo Boumous, Adam le Fondre, are the same squad. There is Apuia to help in the midfield. With both teams boasting of strong attacking line-up and a playing style similar to each other, Juan didn’t deny of a tough fixture but stated his side would be working to get full points.
But, my point of view is that more or less they have the style. Yes, there is a bit of change, with the new coach coming in. But, tomorrow, their game will more or less be the same,” explained Juan Ferrando.
“I think the most important thing for me in this moment is the team is clear on mentality in attack and defence. I hope in our plan, we see a big effort from the players and they enjoy on the pitch.”
FC Goa have signed Airam Cabrera and having some fine talent to support the foreigner, the gaffer isn’t afraid of goals. “Airam Cabrera will also be helpful in the breaks, the control, the timing. But, my expectations is not only from him or the goals, we have Romario, Ortiz, we have wingers, we have Glan, have a lot of players. And in this case I’m not so scared about the goals. Most important is to help in pressing, help in build-up.
The FC Goa boss also praised his foreign contingent who joined the side in Durand Cup and also joined the pre-season early which turned out to be a massive boost for the team. “I’m very happy that the foreign players decided to join the team so early. I’m happy because the club and the coaching staff helped us. I’m very happy because the foreign players decided to join the team so early. A lot of foreign players decided to join one month before the season.
