Carlos Pena: Referee and his assistant had a significant impact

The Gaurs faltered in their final game as they failed to make it to the knockouts once again.

FC Goa’s qualification hopes were derailed in a 3-1 loss to Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in ISL 2022-23 on Thursday. The Blues began the match on the front foot as Sivasakthi stepped up to put the hosts ahead. Shortly afterwards, Iker Guarrotxena equalised for the visitors. Sivakthi and Bengaluru FC’s second was controversially not overturned even after a good one-meter offside offence. The third goal was a result of overflowing emotions as FC Goa were caught on the break. FC Goa’s head coach Carlos Pena attended the post-match press conference and addressed the media.   

On how such a result affects the coach and the team after the season

This result puts FC Goa right outside the playoffs qualification spot and is a disheartening finish to a season full of hardships. When asked about the mental toll it takes on the club as a whole, the manager was pretty vocal about his disapproval of the authorities officiating the match. He exclaimed: 

“The mindset of my players and the team - obviously we are sad and disappointed because we couldn’t complete the objective which was to be in the playoffs. But my feelings right now are that I’m very upset. More so because I feel that the referee and his assistant had a big impact on the game tonight. It’s also because in the future these decisions can change many things. Today, in my opinion, was not fair. The referee committed big mistakes because Chettri could have been given a second yellow card in the second half very clearly. Additionally, the second goal that changed the game completely was in an offside position by one meter. Of course, I don’t want to give excuses because we have played 19 games before this. But today, when it was a final for us, the referee and his assistant made a big impact.”

On any positives he took from the first half after his team came back

FC Goa fought back from one goal down to level the proceedings. The Gaurs head coach instructed his side strictly on what to do after a positive experiment. He further explained:

“Yeah, the first half was what we expected. They are very strong in set-piece situations and during transitions. As a result, we conceded a goal in the first few minutes of the first half. We came back after playing well, creating some chances and playing in the opponent's half. In the second half, we knew what could happen. So if we were compact and didn’t concede we would have our options at the last minute. But the decisions of the referee changed everything. For me, it's not acceptable because, here there are many professionals, players, and people working in the club fighting for an objective. If they are not ready, someone should give them tools to commit fewer mistakes.”

On his players being angry about the second goal and whether he wished for VAR at the time

Edu Bedia was the only one to pick up a yellow among the players as one of the assistants to the head coach was sent off for dissent. After not overturning Sivasakthi’s goal for what looked to be an offside offense, the players swarmed the officials. Voicing his players’ feelings, the tactician mentioned the referee’s contribution as he elaborated :

“I don't know why. I am a coach and I don’t know what they have to do. But what I know is that they had a big impact on the game tonight. Also if you watch on the screen he committed a mistake. Of course, you can get nervous and you can get emotional or lose your mind during the game and it happened after that goal. We couldn’t control our minds. Bengaluru FC is a good team when it comes to transitions and they scored the third goal that way. Well as I said, I’m upset and angry. But congratulations to Bengaluru FC because they have done an amazing job in the second part of the league. They have gotten some really good results. It’s all over for us so it's time to analyse what happened and it’s time to move on.”

On positives from the season

It is all over for FC Goa as they failed to make it to the playoffs for a second consecutive season. Despite some strong results and a general improvement, Carlos Pena was unable to inspire his side into the knockout stages. The mentor took only some positives from the season as he lamented :

 “It has not been an easy season for us. I said many times that we came from a season where FC Goa finished in the ninth position. Obviously, it isn’t a happy ending for us because we couldn’t reach our objective of being in the playoffs. It was our only objective and we are disappointed of course. Now it is time to analyse the season and the good and the bad. We will move on and think about everything as soon as possible and in time for the Super Cup. ”