PANJIM: FC Goa will look to step on the gas as the Hero Indian Super League heads into the final stretch at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Saturday. The Gaurs look like a team who has found its groove – winning 3 of their last 5 and currently on a 5-game unbeaten streak
Juan Ferrando’s men, though, haven’t let go of their characteristic of delivering late, or as many would put it, delivering when it matters the most.
The Gaurs left it late yet again against ATK Mohun Bagan – mounting yet another impressive comeback after falling behind to an Edu Garcia strike, with substitute Ishan Pandita popping up with yet another important goal for his team.
This time around though, nothing less than a victory will do for the Men in Orange, as they aim to keep the pressure on those above them in the ISL table.
After struggling for goals initially, Kerala’s attack has come together in the last 4 matches. In their last four outings, Kibu’s side has scored eight times having attempted 87 shots at an average of 10.87 shots per match. In those four games, Kerala attempted 24 shots on target at an average of 6 shots per match.
“We are competing in every match till the end. In the last three matches, we competed well. We played well and we got the points,” he said.
However, on Saturday, they take on a side that has dominated games with maximum possession, having remained unbeaten in the last five games. Kerala have conceded 21 goals against Goa, the most against any team since ISL4.
“It’s true that tomorrow is a different game. It’s against a good team that plays good football but we are trying to recover the players and prepare for the game as much as possible,” said Vicuna.
“They are a good team, very well prepared with fantastic players. They are playing well. They have very dangerous players. (Igor) Angulo, (Jorge) Ortiz and Romario Jesuraj are playing well. I hope that tomorrow in the game, we are going to be better. And also creating more chances than at the beginning of the season,” he added.
Vicuna’s side is currently in ninth position but they are just four points away from fourth-placed Hyderabad FC and the coach sounded optimistic. “We are happy that we are close (to the top four) after the last game but we are focusing on the next game.”
Goa have been in top form as they have clawed back their way to the top three, putting up impressive performances. Juan Ferrando’s men are the comeback kings of the league, having earned ten points after conceding first.
“We play as a team. We fight until the last minute. Each player has to fight. They know that they will not be in the squad if they don’t do that. You will win some or lose some, but fighting is the most important thing,” stated Ferrando.
