FCG coach Juan Ferrando happy with evening kick-off in Durand Cup semis

The 40-year-old spoke to the media during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

The 130th edition of the Durand Cup will see a clash between two giants on Wednesday, when FC Goa take on fellow-Indian Super League (ISL) rivals Bengaluru FC in the second semi-final. Juan Ferrando and his boys have won all of their matches so far in the competition and a similar result will take them one step closer to the title. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC have shown equal quality and last beat Army Green in the last eight.

On Tuesday, Goa head coach Juan Ferrando shared his thoughts on the game in the pre-match press conference. He was accompanied by defender Leander D'Cunha.

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Preparing without Indian Internationals

During the game on Wednesday, the Gaurs will miss the services of Brandon Fernandes, Glan Martins and Seriton Fernandes who have left for national duty with the Blue Tigers in the forthcoming SAFF Championship 2021. However, Ferrando believes that it won't be that big of a problem for him or the team.

"I think it's fine. Our target here (in the Durand Cup) is to work like a pre-season tournament. These games are important for us because we'll be using them to prepare our players, including those among our reserves," he said, implying that the trio's departure will lead to others getting chances in the matchday squad.

Advantages of evening kickoff

During the group stage of Durand Cup 2021, kickoff of games happened at 3:00 pm. The quarterfinals made things slightly harder for players and teams, as the matches began at 2:00 pm. However, the first semi-final between Mohammedan SC and Bengaluru United kicked off at 6:00 pm, much to the relief of everyone involved. It also favoured fans who travelled to the venue to watch the clash - and the same is set to happen on Wednesday. "I think it's good for all," said Juan Ferrando when asked about his thoughts on the evening kick-off.

"People want to watch the game both at the stadium and their homes. The players are more ready by that time and the weather is also better. Here's Leander (D'Cunha), he'll agree when I say that players started facing issues just 10 minutes into the first half during the quarterfinal, which was at 2:00 in the afternoon. It was very difficult. Overall, evenings are better for people to love football," the 40-year-old further added.

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On 'Favourites' tag & resultant pressure

Ferrando is aware that the Gaurs - who are nearly at full-strength as far as their squad is concerned - are among the favourites to lift the Durand Cup this time. However, he stressed on the fact that they're just there as part of their pre-season training ahead of the ISL.

"This is pre-season for us. Everything will happen step-by-step. We're not here thinking about the necessity of winning the trophy. We came here because we have games and training sessions," he said, before adding, "There are two games remaining and we've never thought about trying to win. And as for pressure, I won't say that there's no pressure - 100%. Pressure will be there even in friendly games."

The matchday venue

FC Goa will take on Bengaluru FC at the Salt Lake Stadium - and Juan Ferrando was happy with the conditions there.

"The conditions at tomorrow's venue are better than those of Kalyani and Mohun Bagan Ground. It feels better to play there. As I've said before, the Durand Cup is a prestigious tournament and we're really happy to be a part of it. However, the conditions available to play are also important," he said.

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About Bengaluru FC, squad updates

The Spanish tactician revealed that he has not thought much about the Gaurs' opponents, as the focus is solely on their own development. "I have no thoughts on them, the aim is on improving ourselves as a team. We are looking at how we can do better in our positional attack, positional defence and so on. We should also do better in controlling the spaces. The other things aren't important to me as of now," he said.

Juan Ferrando also hinted that his team have some injury woes, as he said, "The players will be working with the medical staff till the last moment.

"We'll see. Some players do have problems and injuries, but we'll try to find the best lineup to play tomorrow," he further added. The tournament's top scorer Muhammed Nemil is among the players who have an injury issue, as he suffered a knock during the last eight clash versus Delhi FC.

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