Possession helped us win the game, asserts Carlos Pena

Published at :November 4, 2022 at 5:38 AM

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

(Courtesy : ISL Media)

The Gaurs rose to the second spot after a one-sided game against the title-defending Jamshedpur FC.

FC Goa treated their fans to a triple delight as they sunk Jamshedpur FC in a 3-0 victory at the Fatorda stadium on Thursday. Iker Guarrotxena drew early blood as he poked the ball in from close range in the second minute. Aidy Boothroyd’s men hardly got time to breath as Noah Sadaoui raced onto a wonderful through ball from Brandon Fernandes to extend Goa’s lead 10 minutes later. After a gruelling 90 minutes, Carlos Pena's army finally killed the game off for the faltering Men of Steel as Brison Fernandes scored his first-ever ISL goal.

Head coach Carlos Pena was elated as he explained how his team’s performance deserved a win in the post-match conference.

On fielding Glan Martins as a centre-back

Glan Martins was put on in the 11th minute after Fares Arnaout bowed out due to a strained adductor. FC Goa’s impressive show after this experimental move led to praise being heaped on their new manager. The Spanish tactician confirmed the same and praised his team’s spirit as he said:

“I’m very happy with the performance of the players. Now I’m very happy with how the team played in the last three games. Every game has its characteristics and you have to adapt to every game you play which I think we’re doing in a very good way.

About Glan (Martins), well, I had a feeling. I didn’t want to move Aiban (Dohling) from left-back because Boris (Singh Thangjam) is a very dangerous player. And I thought of Glan because he’s strong and has quality footwork since he’s used to playing as a midfielder. He did a very good job. All his teammates helped him to perform well. Today was not an easy task for him or for the defenders with the tall guys that Jamshedpur have. But he did very well and I’m happy for him.”

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On whether they felt any pressure playing in front of the fans after a long time

After almost a three-year long hiatus, ISL fans have been allowed to grace the stadiums in full strength. Having gotten used to staying in a bio-bubble and playing behind closed doors, the Gaurs surely looked to be invigorated by the fans’ vocal support.

“Of course, there was pressure today. It was also the same during the first day against East Bengal because it was the first time we played in front of fans after two years. I could see how excited my players were. They were looking forward to playing in front of the fans but they controlled their emotions very well.

I think we used this energy in a very positive way and I’m delighted to see them do so. The players were very grateful and happy for every fan that came. I noticed the fans enjoying doing the wave. We need to create a good connection between them and us as I believe it can take us (towards) very good things, ” explained the head coach.

On transition from a player to a manager

FC Goa’s faithful last saw their beloved manager plying his trade as a veteran defender for the team in 2020. The experienced Spanish League import gave a short insight into how his journey has been when he replied:

“I was looking everywhere today, trying to remember the feelings I had when I was a player here. Watching the players warm-up, I was overjoyed but of course you have to keep your emotions in check. Now I can finally enjoy all this at the end of the game.”

On Fares Arnaout’s injury and the returning Dheeraj Singh

Fares Arnaout went out of contention in the early minutes of the game as he felt a niggle and was substituted immediately. While Glan Martins was put on in his stead, Dheeraj Singh made a valiant comeback from injury. Carlos Pena clarified Arnaout’s status and gave his thoughts on Dheeraj’s performance as he said:

“Yes, Fares (Arnaout) felt some pain in the adductor. Let’s see. Now he will have some tests but yes, today was difficult because Fares got injured in the opening few minutes. We couldn’t count on Marc (Valiente) also. But the squad showed great character.

And Dheeraj? This guy’s crazy! He came from the hospital and today he was very brave. He almost injured one of our own players! But I’m very happy as he’s helping a lot. Arsh (Arshdeep Singh) helped us a lot in the last game and I’m very proud of them both.”

What helped in winning the game?

FC Goa dominated the game with a mammoth share of possession as they hoarded 70% of it. Jamshedpur could not generate any legitimate chances as a result of the same. But Carlos Pena responded that possession is meaningless if it doesn't lead to all three points. He elaborated:

“Today I think possession helped us win the game. For me it’s the main goal (winning). If the possession doesn’t help you to win the game I don’t want it. But today I feel like we controlled the game from the middle (of the park), we created spaces behind the defence and we took very good advantage of the wingers. I think these were our strengths today. Today I’m happy because we had possession for most of the game to cause them problems and we used it in a good way.”