What did Carlos Pena say about Iker Guarrotxena after JFC game?

The FC Goa manager also praised his team's character.

FC Goa managed to come back twice against Jamshedpur FC in a 2-2 draw at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in ISL 2022-23 on Thursday. None would have thought that Carlos Pena's side will return from the furnace with a point. However, some late drama from Iker Guarrotxena ensured the Gaurs' fans had something to cherish prior to Christmas.

The manager attended the post-match press conference and addressed the media regarding the specifics.   

On changes in the second half and his thoughts on how the game changed

Carlos Pena’s side were level at the break but well-timed substitutions seemed to turn the tempo in their favour. Speaking on how he went about doing the same, the Spaniard replied: 

“Well, I think in the second half, the momentum was completely in our favour. Aiban (Dohling) conceded the ball mistakenly. Then we tried to attack and create chances which finally paid off as we made more runs and finally scored in the 89th minute. We could also have scored another goal in stoppage time."

He added, "So, keeping that in mind, I’m obviously not happy because we could have had all three points here. But at least the team showed character and we could walk away with one point after coming back from a goal down twice. So yes, I think it was fair.”

Change in mentality and approach of Jamshedpur FC compared to the reverse fixture

Jamshedpur FC showed grit and determination against FC Goa as they started the game on the front foot. Aidy Boothroyd’s boys took the lead on two occasions as Pena’s men had to play catch-up twice. Commending them and their improvements, the tactician observed:

“Jamshedpur today were much more aggressive in their approach in the first half. They caused problems for us by putting more pressure on our defence and midfield. We were unable to keep our continuity in passing even in our own half. And then, we also conceded too many throw-ins and corners despite knowing that we would have problems if they got such opportunities.

"Ultimately, it was as we expected and they did hurt us through these scenarios. But in the second half, the team started to play in Jamshedpur’s half. The players made more runs down the wings and crosses into the box, trying to attack and create chances. So, I think the draw was a deserved result for us,” he added.

Iker Guarrotxena’s varying contributions both for and against FC Goa

Iker Guarrotxena’s heroics got FC Goa a share of the spoils as he scored twice. Although his own goal was an unfortunate deflection, his all-round contribution was the real deal breaker for the Gaurs. Carlos Pena was impressed with his varied approach and commented:

“Iker (Guarrotxena) gives us a lot of things on the pitch. Not only the goals, as he wasn’t initially scoring as much but now he is prolific in front of the goal. His character and a lot of other things have helped him reach this point. His defensive work rate is amazing as well; especially how he helps the team win the ball back. I’m happy with him and his performance today as well as for the two goals he scored for us to get one point.”

On coping Jamshedpur’s new formation

Jamshedpur switched from their usual 4-4-2 to an adventurous 3-5-2 as they started with Ricky Lallawmawma and Boris Singh as wing-backs. With the additional cover and overload on the wings, there was plenty of supply for Ishan Pandita and Daniel Chima Chukwu. Pena mentioned that they had studied their opponent and he concluded by saying:

 “Yes, we did expect them to play that way because they have changed a lot with respect to their formation in the first half of the season. We had some doubts about how they would start today. But when we saw them, we knew it was going to be 3-5-2. They played confidently with long balls to the wing-backs and strikers, creating problems for us in the first half. In the second half we read the situation better. We had longer periods of possession as we saw a lot of the ball and it was easier to navigate through their half.”