We need to control the game a little better, says Carlos Pena

Published at :October 22, 2022 at 5:21 AM

Modified at :December 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM

(Courtesy : ISL Media)

The FC Goa coach also praised the efforts of Noah Sadaoui after the win.

FC Goa put in another disciplined performance to defeat Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The visitors rode on goals from Redeem Tlang and Noah Sadaoui to pick up their second win of the season. Carlos Pena will be happy as his side are now the only team with a 100% record this season having won both their games.

The Gaurs overcame some tough early moments from Chennaiyin FC. They also had Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem to thank for the clean sheet. The goalkeeper was impregnable during his time on the pitch before being taken off at the hour mark due to a head injury.

The performance of the Gaurs was reminiscent of the qualities possessed by their coach during his playing days. Similarly, Carlos Pena would be delighted with the start he has made with his side. The Spaniard answered questions from the media following his side's triumph on the night.

Reaction from the win

Carlos Pena expressed delight at the result and lauded the effort his boys put in against a tough opponent.

"Very happy (with the result) as it was a very tough game. We all know that Chennaiyin FC started the season very well playing very good football. It was tough because I personally want us to control the game more. I think we need to control the game a little better. I think we did very well in making the chances and keeping Noah (Sadaoui) as a striker and I am very happy for us," the Spaniard opined on the game and the result.

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On the tenure when the game was open

When asked about the work of FC Goa in the long period between the two goals where it was an open game, Carlos Pena answered "I think we suffered a little bit towards the final few minutes of the first half. Chennaiyin FC put pressure and created those chances. Dheeraj was amazing to stop those chances. In the second half, after the substitutions, I think we were better. We had more of the ball and in the final 25-30 minutes we created more chances and we got the goal. So I am very happy with that."

When asked if Pena would go for a set template in games, he replied, "Every game is going to be different. For now, I am happy with this victory, our second victory and Noah scored. That is what is most important for us."

On Dheeraj's injury

While Carlos Pena did not have a lot to say regarding the extent of Dheeraj Singh's injury, he did alleviate some fears by stating it not to be as serious as it looked. But the Spaniard mentioned that they will be running some tests and assessing the goalkeeper's condition over the coming days.

Dheeraj was taken off at the hour mark after suffering a head injury. The goalkeeper came to clear a long cross but clattered into Iker Guarrotxena before going down clutching his head. He was taken off as a precautionary measure. But that was not before he put in an impregnable performance making numerous saves including from point-blank range to keep a clean sheet on the night for FC Goa.