Goa: FC Goa’s maiden AFC Champions League campaign came to an end last month with zero victories but the Gaurs have won hearts with brilliant display with characterized swift passing and movement. It was a matter of pride for the Indians as the Goans rubbed shoulders against some of the biggest names in Asia.
Placed in Group E, Goa finished at the third position with three draws in their six games. They drew with Al Rayyan twice while also playing a goalless stalemate against Al Wahda. The Juan Ferrando-coached side could have registered their maiden win against Al Rayyan in the second leg encounter but a last-minute goal dashed all hopes of the Goans.
“I think players have performed on a high level and did great as a team. However, this experience has shown us we need to improve many tactical aspects on the pitch so we can be more competitive at an international level,” Ferrando said in a video interview.
“Obviously I am disappointed as our mentality is to win every match we go into and try to get the best,” he added when asked about missing their chances despite coming close on few occasions. “From a psychological point of view, it was tough to accept that we could not get a win. However, in the end, this shows us that in football one needs to be self-demanding and keep improving to be able to celebrate in the future.”
Ferrando also stated that it would have been a big moment for both the club and Indian football if got a win. “A win would have been huge for Indian football. It would have been a historical achievement. Also, it would have been a just reward for the hard work that the players, the technical staff and everyone at FC Goa have been doing over the last months while living on a bio-bubble,” said the coach.
Ferrando replaced Sergio Lobera at the start of the season and did a commendable job helping the Gaurs finish fourth in the Indian Super League. While playing back-to-back matches within a short span of time was a challenge for Ferrando, the Spaniard also said playing in the AFC Champions League was a lot tougher.
“My biggest challenge was to prepare the team for all matches the best way possible, as there was just one day for training between matches. To play six high-level matches in just 20 days is challenging itself as there is no time for players to recover properly and for the coach to train them tactically to play the next rival,” he said.
“Focus. During the matches. I think it was very important to be focused at all times during the match – in every single action. This was a great lesson for us to play as a team for 90 minutes. My biggest lesson would be that in football as in life one has never experienced everything. After the difficult situation of the pandemic, we have all had to adapt to new demands. I learnt a lot about myself during this season.”
Assessing his first season with the Gaurs, the gaffer said, “It was a new challenge to adapt to Asian football but I am happy to see youngsters have been able to compete on an international level and that we could perform as a team altogether, supporting each other and working for the group.”
