Sergio Lobera happy with performance, John Gregory concerned about defensive abilities

Both of the head coaches had different takes on the Saturday evening fixture.

The reigning ISL champions were condemned to their second consecutive defeat in the new season at the hands of FC Goa by three goals to one at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Chennai.

The visitors took the lead in the 12th minute through Edu Bedia, before Coro and Mourtada Fall ensured that their trip back to Goa would be a happy one.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

A post shared by Indian Super League (@indiansuperleague) on Oct 6, 2018 at 10:33am PDT

Watch: Chennaiyin FC 1-3 FC Goa highlights

Sergio Lobera, the coach of FC Goa was highly complimentary of his side’s start to the season, having registered four points from their opening two games. “I think playing two away games and getting four points is something to be happy about”, said the Spaniard.

“I try to get always the best. In the game against NorthEast, we dropped two points, but today we achieved the three points and we’re really happy”.

The Gaurs were at their prolific best against Chennaiyin, enjoying much of the early possession which eventually resulted in the first goal. Lobera hailed his side’s attacking intent in his post-match press conference.

“We are an attacking side as we have proved today on the pitch. I’m happy because our way of defending is having possession of the ball”

However, despite his satisfaction with the performance, Lobera voiced his regret over the concession of the late goal that cost his side the three points.

However, the mood was much grimmer at John Gregory’s post-match press conference. The Englishman rued the defensive lapses that had led to the three goals that his side conceded.

“We were not quite as sharp defensively as we have been. All three goals could have been avoided”

ALSO READ

• FC Goa down Chennaiyin to register first win of the season

• Carles Cuadrat hopes to benefit from set-piece strength, Ferrando looks for Cahill impact on debut

The Chennaiyin FC manager took responsibility for the defeat and praised his opponents for their sharpness in front of goal.

“I always take responsibility for the outcome except when we win. Listen, I’ll stand by my players always but we weren’t as good as Goa”, said the Englishman.

“Goa started like they always start, they dominate games. We just couldn’t get into the game for some reason tonight. I think it was due to the setup I put out, the team I put out, it was possibly the wrong shape, so I’ve obviously got to look at myself, but they took their opportunities”

Gregory insisted that Chennaiyin’s objective was still to get into the playoffs despite their poor start to the season.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

“Our objective is still to get into the playoffs. However and whatever it takes, we have to get into the playoffs”.

Chennaiyin FC will take on NorthEast United and FC Goa will take on Mumbai City FC next in the ISL.