ALLAN D’CRUZ
allan@herald-goa.com
NAVI MUMBAI: Many Indians could only dream of playing against Europe’s best teams, but three Indian academy teams—Reliance Foundation Young Champs, Bengaluru FC and FC Goa were given a chance to experience Premier League football in Mumbai giving them an opportunity to clash against Manchester United, Chelsea and Southampton in the Next Generation Mumbai Cup at Reliance Corporate Park.
While the players made the best use displaying their skills, FC Goa’s Salgeo Dias seized the moment against Southampton, scoring the only goal of the game to give his side a memorable 1-0 win against the European side to finish fourth despite having locked with United and RFYS with nine points each.
Chelsea remained unbeaten while Southampton didn’t manage a single win. At the other end, FC Goa and RFYS recorded memorable results defeating Southampton and Manchester United on the final day.
“It was a great opportunity for us to play against some of the best premier league teams. FC Goa are lucky to get this platform and we have learnt a lot here. Football isn’t easy out there as it seems to be. We had to give our best and now I know where I stand and the areas I need to improve,” stated Salgeo Dias as he along with the entire FC Goa team watched the last League match between Manchester United and RYFC.
The goal came in the first session when Bryson squeezed the ball in the box to Salgeo, who was tightly marked by the Saints defence, however, the young lad from Tilamol kept his composure as he slotted past the keeper.
“I scored many goals for FC Goa earlier but this will be my most memorable one. I can’t really express what it felt scoring against a Premier League side. Every time I think about it, I just feel I have to keep giving my best and take every opportunity I get,” stated Salgeo.
It was a move improved standard of football at Reliance Corporate Park, as the teams displayed a good brand and matured football. There wasn’t hit and rush, it was more of maintaining possession and playing an enjoyable game.
“Franky speaking, the experience here was at another level. The English teams don’t go down easily. They play tough football. They are composed and fit. I think such tournaments against such teams will help us boost our confidence and improvise our standards,” stated Salgeo.
“I am happy with the boys and their performance in this tournament. We played some good football throughout. We have plenty of positive from this tournament but the best were the compliments I received from the Chelsea and United coaches. They liked our style of play and infact praised some of the players’ performance,” expressed FC Goa coach Presley Pereira.
FC Goa displayed a brand of football similar to their senior team. Possession play, building from behind keeping the ball also involving the goalkeeper, thus drawing the opponents in their territory and then attacked on counters.
“Our technical director Derrick Pereira has set this style of play and I am happy that the boys are putting it into practice. I am happy and thankful to Derrick for this,” added Pereira.
According to Pereira, the team needs to improve upon the technical ability. “I think we have a huge task from here. We lack technical ability and the only way we can improve is to start football at an early age. We need to stress on the baby League and need more of such opportunities.”
