Margao: Coupled with less preparation time and two massive games upfront FC Goa looks like a side who have a battle on their hands right away. The Coronavirus pandemic has surely thrown every outfit and their preparations haywire but then FC Goa coach Juan Ferrando believes that is where the challenge lies with the Indian Super League (ISL) scheduled to start in a couple of weeks from now (November 20th).
Speaking to the press on FC Goa’s media day, Ferrando said,” The biggest challenge will be to prepare the team in two weeks time. And then again with back to back games you have to get the players ready every 3 days. But we are a professional unit. We have to believe in the medical and coaching staff. It is a strange situation being in the hotel 24 hours, but we have to be compact, mentally strong and stay positive.”
FC Goa need to have their players gel together quickly as they have two tough games back to back once their season starts. First they lock horns against Bengaluru FC in their opening encounter followed by a face off against former manager Sergio Lobera’s Mumbai City FC. However, the tough fixtures doesn’t concern Ferrando much as he wants to take one step at a time, every game as it comes.
” Every game is important. Our mentality has to always be the same. In our minds it doesn’t really matter if it is Bengaluru or Mumbai, we know we have to prepare really well. The target is to progress week by week and day by day. Of course, we want to win the championship but right now it is about taking small steps,” the gaffer stated.
FC Goa and the Spaniard have signed just 6 foreigners this season and with the league likely to allow five substitution one would think they would be in some kind of disadvantage. But Ferrando is confident with the squad that he has and says he is ‘happy’ going into the tournament with his bunch of players.
“I am happy with the squad that I have. I think they are the best. I am not afraid of foreign players or substitutions. It’s not necessary to use all the places for foreign players. In future, we could change a few players. For me if a player is fit and ready he will play. For example, players like Phrangki, he is good, fit and match ready.” added the 39-year-old.
