Lobera wants defensive improvements, Meulensteen rues Berbatov injury

Both managers acknowledged the Bulgarian's injury and the Spaniard's hat-trick as the key turning points of the game.

FC Goa defeated Kerala Blasters 5-2 in the Indian Super League match played at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa. Ferran Corominas netted the fastest hat-trick in the ISL which was scored in eight minutes and Manuel Lanzarote scored a brace for FC Goa. As for Blasters, Mark Sifneos and Jackichand Singh were the goalscorers.

FC Goa coach Sergio Lobera speaking on his team’s defensive part of the game said, “It is true that this is something that we need to work on. You know we have scored 13 goals in the league. This shows the attacking potency in the team. But, yes obviously in the defensive side of our game we definitely need to work on."

He added, "I’m not only talking about the backline but the entire team, the collective effort as a whole. We are a team that likes to open up play and take risks so this is sometimes likely to happen, but will be definitely worked upon.” He yet again defended the goalkeeper by saying it isn’t entirely the his fault, but it is the collective fault of the team.

Lobera wasn’t really much amazed after being called the title favourites. He continued by saying, “Our next opponent is Delhi. I don’t want to look far ahead because you might lose your objective so its not something I focus on. Its about working hard and preparing in the best possible way," he explained.

Talking about the fans he said, "We want the people of Goa to be excited, I don’t want to be a letdown and kill down the excitement of the fans. We want the fans to be excited, this is what we expect from the fans.”

“(Dimitar) Berbatov’s injury didn’t change our mindset,” said Lobera. He continued by saying, "A single player doesn’t win you games. Well, Berbatov’s injury didn’t bother us because we had to play our game. we had to play the philosophy that we wanted to start with.”

Ferran Corominas who was also part of the post-match press conference was extremely delighted that he helped his team win. Corominas was also happy after he scored the fastest hat-trick in the ISL as well as his career.

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“We didn’t handle Berbatov’s injury quite right. We couldn’t get our tactical plan quick enough. We had to go through seven minutes of total torturel. fter we conceded three goals in seven minutes there was no way back,” said a disappointed Rene Meulensteen.

Speaking on Goa’s style of play and their players he added, “Goa have got really good players in the middle of the park, Ahmed Jahouh, Eduardo Bedia, Lanzarote and (Bruno) Pinheiro at the back that is where we the team operates. They have got a good understanding. They know what the team wants.”

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“Definitely a major setback,” said the Dutchman speaking on Dimitar Berbatov’s injury which happened very early in the game. “He has been very important to the side. He brings quality and composure in the team when it needs it. It’s a calf injury and the extent of the injury is still unknown.”