Juan Ferrando lauds Dheeraj Singh's performance after draw against Al Wahda

The Gaurs continued their unbeaten start to the tournament.

FC Goa’s second AFC Champions League game against Al Wahda ended in a goalless draw on Saturday. The Indian Super League side remain undefeated in the continental tournament, collecting two points from two games. Juan Ferrando and his men continued their stellar form after holding Al Rayyan to a stalemate in the first fixture. They did not let Al Wahda breach the defences and secured another point. There were several chances to take the three points, if the Gaurs had been more clinical.

The tactician expressed his views on the game during the post-match interaction. He talked about several important talking points from the draw against UAE’s Al Wahda. 

Reaction to game

Juan Ferrando seemed happy with his side’s performance after holding another stronger team to a draw. He reacted to the game, saying, “We played with a very good team of course because it’s the Champions League. All the teams are best in Asia. I am happy for some points in attack, we were better in positional attack. I am happy, but this is a problem for all the teams, not just for me.The players are very tired.”

“In the end, we need to change the plan about the tactics in defence, it’s very difficult. We need to improve more, we need to put a new target in our mind,” he further added.

Chances to win game

FC Goa had plenty of chances to potentially win the game. He said in this context, “We had chances but also they had chances. I am not so worried because we can improve in some details. Now, I am thinking about how is possible to recover and then to explain these points.”

Dheeraj Moirangthem’s performance

Indian custodian Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem was sensational, making terrific saves to secure another clean-sheet. The tactician praised his efforts, saying, “The saves from Dheeraj were very good. He needs to improve in his passing because our style is to build-up (from the back). He was playing in the national team for the U-17 side. He was in the Indian Super League playing so much. Now, everybody knows he is a very good goalkeeper. It is amazing to work with Dheeraj.

“It's not surprising because I know my squad. Our squad wants to improve everyday and this is the most important. For me, it is a pleasure to work with this coaching staff and these players. We are happy, but don’t forget in two days we have to play Persepolis. At the end, it's necessary to continue in the same way.” he continued.

Missed chances

Ferrando concluded the interaction by talking about the multiple missed chances by his side. He was quoted, saying, “Today, we had 2-3 very good chances...I am happy because our chances were not in set-pieces, it was in build-up. Then in transition we need to improve in the last part of the pitch, but also its very important to talk about the balance. Both teams had chances. The new target is to improve on these details.”

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