Juan Ferrando, Edu Bedia set bar high for FC Goa in Durand Cup

The tactician was optimistic ahead of his team's tournament opener.

After COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the 2020 edition of the Durand Cup, the oldest tournament in Asia is back and has already started its course on 5th September. The I-League side, Mohammedan Sporting beat the Indian Air Force 4-1 to begin the tournament on a high note. FC Goa led by Juan Ferrando are one of the five Indian Super League (ISL) sides to participate in the 130th edition of the tournament.

Goa are accompanied by Jamshedpur FC, Army Green and Sudeva Delhi in the same group. The Gaurs will be kicking off their campaign on 7th September against Army Green. The match is slated for a 3 pm kickoff at the Vivekananda YubabharatiKrirangan (VYBK). 

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The Gaurs will be determined to make a mark in their maiden Durand Cup appearance, and nothing less than a win would suffice for FC Goa’s head coach, Ferrando. He spoke in the pre-match press conference alongside captain Edu Bedia.

Early pre-season accompanied by strong team

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Juan Ferrando stated that this campaign was a fresh start and was a great opportunity to work with the new team. He said, "You know that last season was a shorter season. And now we have a good opportunity to work together with the team. The players want to come with us to work and all the team. The pressure is good. This is the intention to work every day and improve and prepare the team for the ISL and the Durand Cup."

The intention with the early start to the pre-season is considered good by the coach. The team are already working on full fitness and are training with the zeal to do well in the Durand Cup, followed by the league competition.

Edu Bedia's view on the season

Edu Bedia has entered his fifth season with the ISL side. He has witnessed how the competition has changed over the years. He said, "I think now, Indian football has improved a lot, not only technical but also practical. Now, at this moment, we are one of the best clubs in India."

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He further added on the competitions they will be facing and how his side would fare, saying, "Yes, I think it is good for us to improve physically and then try to win this tournament. This year we want to win all the trophies."

On being asked about how the foreign players will help the team, he said, "I think last year, the second part of the season we were the best team. In the first part, I understand we had a new coach, new players, young players and maybe was difficult. Now we know the coach, the teammates, we have new young players who are very good. I think this year we are a very strong team."

Juan Ferrando on resources & environment provided

"Firstly for us, we are honoured to be in this cup, a historic cup here in India. Second, I know Durand Cup is in September, I know it is difficult to prepare all the training centres. But, for us, more important is coaching and our job. Time to see the young players, the level of team and then with the first-team. I know this is a situation, difficult to work in. Now we try to work and not think about it. Sure, over time the situations will get better."

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According to sources close to the development, FC Goa were provided Non-AC buses for travel. Moreover, even the training pitch was not upto the mark. This upset head coach Juan Ferrando. Infact, the team didn't train on the pitch and just did their physical exercises.

Although the situations are not perfect, Juan Ferrando was optimistic about the improvements. However, he noted that these reasons will not be taken as excuses and he will be working with the resources he has got. He further stated that he will be looking at how to change things according to the situations ahead.

Ferrando about young additions to squad

The FC Goa youth academy was praised by the tactician. The youngsters have been excellent and their promotion to the first-team has helped him in thinking of options for rotation. "In the end, the inclusion of youngsters is good for us. Goa has a good academy that is improving day-by-day. As for me, the most important is Alberto Noguera, Edu Bedia and Jorge Ortiz. They have come with us and are like second teachers for young players. Day-by-day the young players know the fusion of the professional team when working together. We have time to take a break and take a breather."

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He focused on how the training is helping the youngsters in adapting to the intensity of the ISL. "Although they won't be getting many starts as that might put enormous pressure on them, they will play crucial roles in helping the squad recover. The depth of the team will help me rotate the squad occasionally, keeping the whole team fit throughout the season," he clarified.

Bedia on pressure as captain

Edu Bedia has set a simple benchmark for the team. Win. Not only for this tournament but also for the league. He said, "Our target is to win, but not only this tournament, all the games and tournaments. Now the target is to improve like a team. My target as a captain is to help the young players and help the team to win," the midfielder concluded.

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