PANJIM: Coaching FC Goa in his second season, Sergio Lobera’s Gaurs will make their second consecutive appearance in the ISL semi-finals as FC Goa will clash against Mumbai City FC at Mumbai Football Arena today.
FC Goa, definitely, have been the most consistent side in the Indian Super League so far making it to their fourth semi-finals in the last five seasons, thanks to Sergio Lobera’s attacking philosophy which has made them a unique and most feared side in the competition.
However, unlike last season where despite making it to the knockout phase, there were doubts about their hunt for the title considering their leaky defence —this year the team has a strong belief of winning the cup not forgetting their overall development in the league provided they continue playing the same brand of football.
FC Goa’s strength used to be their attacking brand of football but without losing their attacking charm, the team has successfully managed to be in good defensive knick too. FC Goa has shown the abilities of a true champion and rightly deserve to go all the way.
But their real test will tonight when they will face Mumbai’s ace striker Modou Sougou, who have scored 12 goals so far.
Entering into the final stages of the league, the Gaurs looked favourites this year and finished on equal points with Bengaluru but a inferior head-to-head record meant, the Gaurs had to settle for the second position despite having a superior goal difference.
But this wouldn’t bother much to Sergio as they are facing Mumbai City FC, whom they have beaten in both the legs so far in this edition. This means the Gaurs have an advantage over their opponents which will boost their morale even before the first whistle is blown.
However, Mumbai City making their second appearance wouldn’t be an easy affair either. Havind lost their both league encounters, they would come with a revenge in mind. Despite finish the league campaign on a bitter note following defeats in the final league fixtures, they finished third. But surely the Mumbaikars would let Goa have an easy walk at the Mumbai Football Arena today.
Mumbai’s Lucian Goian despite containing League’s leading goal scorer Coro in their previous meet will have a tough day out today as a slighting glitch at the back, and he would punished with the strong Goa’s attack.
Flashback
The Spanish gaffer after taking over the club from the reigns of Brazilian Legend Zico who enthralled the fans with Samba style of play, Sergio had a herculean task to built the team all over again. But the Spaniard delivered in style guiding Goa to the semi-finals but couldn’t make it to the finals.
Goa were almost the same what they are now — their attack was match to no other team with the dream striking pair comprising of Manuel Lanzarote and Ferran Corominas. Almost every coach and opposition defence feared the the FC Goa style of play, but what let them down was their leaky defence. Match after match —though the attack delivered, the defence fumbled thus making their efforts null and void.
Rising Stronger
However, in his second season at the club, though one of his spanish striker parted ways and joined the rival club, Sergio ensured the side adheres to their attacking philosophy entrusting the role to Ferran who was ably supported by Edu Bedia, Brandon Fernandes, Ahmed Jahou and new signing Jackhichand Singh.
The attack delivered with a positive start to the campaign which saw them score some big wins including the 5-0 win over Mumbai City. Incidentally it was Goa who ended Mumbai City’s nine unbeaten run in the ISL season five with a 2-0 win in Mumbai.
Gaurs scored 36 goals in their league campaign with Coro netting 15 of them and is in the race for the Golden Boot. The Spaniard has seven assists to his name too.
However, Sergio’s defence wasn’t at their best. With young and inexperienced
Their new strength
Mohammed Nawaz in the goal replacing the injured Kattimani the shot-stopper had to get a strong backing from his back four. But the crises continued as Sergio’s perfect start to the league was met by inconsistent and ever leaking defence, but unlike last season, Sergio finally managed to find the perfect chemistry at the back.
Adding two foreigners Carols Pena and Mourtada Fall in the heart of defence and deputing Mandar Rao Dessai with the full back role in the left along with humble Seriton Fernandes in the right. And the combination turned out to be a deadly defensive line up which managed to earn eight clean sheets in the league. They managed to concede just 20 goals in the 18 matches the second least behind NorthEast United FC. Gaurs also roped in Naveen Kumar back again from Kerala who featured in the final few games for the Gaurs and might start against Mumbai.
Not to mention Gaurs start-studded midfield line-up featuring Ahmed Jahouh, Edu Bedia, Lenny Rodrigues and Brandon Fernandes, all the players have lived-up to their expectations and made it easy for Sergio to pen his final squad for the games.
