PANJIM: Following their impressive 3-1 win over Kerala Blasters, FC Goa will aim to carry on with their winning momentum as they take on a struggling Odisha FC side who are yet to record a win in the Indian Super League side, at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, on Saturday.
Coach Juan Ferrando will be delighted that all six goals scored by his team this season so far have been from open play. Ferrando’s team will hope to break the deadlock early against a side that have conceded five goals in the first half, the most by a team this season.
The Gaurs however need to work on their defence, having been unable to keep a single clean sheet this season. Moreover, Odisha improve drastically in the second half, with 10 shots on target. Their shot accuracy in the second half is 41.66% compared to 11.76% in the first half while they have only conceded once in the second half this campaign.
Goa head coach Ferrando spoke about the performance of his team’s defence at the pre-match press conference. “If you watch the goals [that we have conceded this season], against Bengaluru FC it was from throw-ins, Mumbai City FC and NorthEast [United FC] were penalties. I am happy because the team is good but it’s all about maintaining the intensity in my defence. It’s very important that we are more aggressive,” he said.
“When we are working in training, it’s important to control a few details in transitions and keep improving. We are working a lot,” said Ferrando. “I’m so happy about the defensive aspect because the team is good but sometimes, it’s necessary to (keep) the intensity in defense. We need to be more aggressive.”
FC Goa striker Igor Angulo, joint-top scorer so far this Hero ISL, will hope to add to his tally against a leaky Odisha defence.
The Gaurs beat Odisha in both their meetings last season and come Saturday, they will be hoping to extend that winning streak.
Kick off at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, at 7.30 p.m.
