Derrick Pereira concedes FC Goa's playoffs chances now "doubtful"

The Gaurs once again failed to take three points heading into a nine-day recess.

FC Goa faced Odisha FC in the Indian Super League at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. In the 61th minute, Jonathas de Jesus gave his team the lead from the spot, after Javi Hernandez earned himself a penalty. A late goal in the 94th minute from Alexander Romario Jesuraj restored parity between the two sides. Here's what FC Goa head coach Derrick Pereira had to say in the post-match press conference.

Sense of relief?

If analyzed in terms of statistics, both the teams were not too far from each other in tonight’s encounter. When quizzed if this late draw gives a sense of relief, Pereira mentioned, “I would say yes, at least a point will give us to look for the next five matches.

"It would have been a disappointing result, if we had to lose this match. We went in with an intent to do well and get the three points. We had some chances to convert, which we couldn’t. The team did their best. But, by saying that, I would say some of our players need to step up a bit and try to give more than what they did.”

Tough process behind their style of play & conversion of chances

FC Goa are a team who have created a lot of chances and registered a lot of shots this season. However, their conversion rate hasn’t been at it’s best.

When asked what has been the tough process behind the style of play, the tactician stated, “Ours is a team where we keep the ball and look forward to create opportunities. I think we did well going forward. Yes, this has been our weakness this season – converting the chances. In each and every match we created a lot of chances, but couldn’t convert them. That has been our downfall this season.”

Injury status of Jorge Ortiz

Jorge Ortiz’s name had to be removed from the starting XI in their previous encounter, after he caught an injury during training, minutes before the match. Derrick Pereira shed light on the status of his injury, “We have a break of 10 (actually nine) days now and he should be back for the remaining five matches.”

Nine-day break & how he will plan

FC Goa will be playing their next match on the 10th of February. With nine days in their hand, the think-tank will be looking forward to capitalize on this break to improve the team’s performance. When asked how he is going to plan and utilize the break, the coach asserted, “We will have to go back to our drawing room and see what we can do to get back into our winning ways. That has been the thought in everybody’s mind. We are putting in good performances, but somehow we end up losing or drawing the match.

“After this break, players will get time to relax their mind and get away from pressure, since it’s now out of our hands to qualify for the playoffs. So, we will give our best and look for the future,” he added.

Playoffs Possible?

With five games in hand, FC Goa find themselves still in the bottom half of the table. When asked if he's still confident for his team to make it to the top four, Derrick Pereira quipped, “It’s doubtful. It’s very tough now. If the top teams drop points, then it could be possible, otherwise not.”

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