Goa: FC Goa’s 3-1 win against Kerala Blasters on Sunday (6 December) was the first win of Juan Ferrando with the Gaurs. Igor Angulo’s brace powered the win over Kerela.
It was a dominating performance from Ferrando’s men. FC Goa stayed true to their style and philosophy, they dominated the possession and created more chances . Ferrando, the head coach, though, stressed on further improvement in the days to come.
“I am happy about the final score, of course. For us, 3 points in all the games will be important. But it is important to continue working and prepare for the game against Odisha because there are some aspects of the game that I am not so pleased with,” remarked Ferrando.
“I am more focussed on the transitions more than anything. That and the high press is what I am looking at more critically. That where there is room for improvement. It’s possible to win 5-0. We want to win 5-0 or 6-0, but we have to take things step by step. Our target is Odisha now and to get the three points again,” he further added.
Jorge Ortiz’s also scored his first goal in FC Goa colours. The winger, who looked like a real threat down the wings in almost all the games that he has played till now, finally got rewarded.
The Spaniard could have got the best goal of the season if the crossbar didnot come into scenario. Ortiz tussled with Nishu Kumar, and eventually got the better of him, got up after falling down, controlled the ball before unleashing a pile driver.
He continued to be a threat in the Kerala backline and it finally paid off in the second half, when a neat one-two with Brandon Fernandes helped him find space in the penalty box. Following, a delightful first touch, he slammed a shot that left Albino Gomes in the Kerala goal without a prayer.
“I am really happy about Ortiz (getting his first goal). He has been working hard. He has a number of qualities. He has a great shot and can cross the ball really well. His performance is getting better by the day,” said the head coach on the Spaniard’s performance.
“In my opinion, they need more time (to get up to speed). These guys need more games and more training sessions. I feel in two more weeks, this team would be in a lot better place.”
Inspite of the comfortable win against Kerela.Ferrando was not short of praise for the Kerela side, he said he felt that they will end up among the top teams by the end of the season.
“If the people saw today’s game, I hope that they really enjoyed it. It was two teams who were looking to play football and attack each other. They were building through second actions and positional attack. In my opinion, Kerala will be most likely in the top positions,” Ferrando opined.
“I think we had more clear opportunities, but both the teams really tried to play football. And I think we dominated the 10-12 minutes after going 2 goals up. With the score at 0-0 and 1-0, though I feel Kerala gave a good account of themselves with Facundo (Pereyra) and Vicente (Gomez) in midfield. Their two wingbacks were also really impressive. They are fantastic players.
“I understand it is a difficult moment for them (having not won a match yet this season). It was the same with us. However, I feel they will improve with each coming day. I am really pleased to have won against them, they are a good side. They play good football and that is important for the fans, the supporters and for the future of football in India.”
