Lobera praises Mandar's versatility, Gombau enjoying Indian experience

The Gaurs' talismanic striker Ferran Corominas will return against the Lions on Thursday.

FC Goa host Delhi Dynamos in their next game hoping to get back to winning ways. The Gaurs were defeated in their last outing against Jamshedpur FC, registering their first loss of the campaign. The Lions, on the other hand, had to settle with a point against the Men of Steel after conceding a late goal to the visitors. Gombau’s men are yet to win a game this term and will be hoping for a change in fortunes when they visit one of the most ruthless teams in the league.

Coach’s Corner

Josep Gombau(Delhi Dynamos FC)

Delhi managed to dominate the Men of Steel for large periods during their last match. “I think we are not getting the results, but we are playing well. Tomorrow’s game is a very important game for us. We need to win and that too against a very good opposition like FC Goa," Gombau said. "Last game we played well and we come here with the confidence to try and get a result,” the Spaniard added.

The Lions' tactician continued to speak on the last game, explaining his decision to swap goalkeepers at the interval. “We felt that if we wanted to win the game we needed to put more foreign players in the outfield," he asserted.

"It was a tactical decision to change. We take one foreign goalkeeper out and put an Indian keeper in and after that we can have an extra foreigner on the field,” he quipped.

Gombau has managed teams in several places like Spain, Australia and Hong Kong. At Delhi, he is enjoying his first stint in the country. “I have enjoyed a lot in India. The good thing is that the attitude of the players is very good. Everybody wants to work and I am very satisfied. For me, it’s a very new experience,” he reflected.

Thursday's game will be vital for Delhi’s playoff hopes. “There will be a lot of challenges. They have a very good squad and a very good coach. They are playing very good football,” the former Barcelona youth coach concluded.

Sergio Lobera (FC Goa)

Ferran Corominas’ absence in the game against Jamshedpur was evident. However, Sergio Lobera feels that the team shouldn’t be dependent on one player. “As a coach, if I were to say that we lost the match because we didn’t have a player available it would be very irresponsible on my part," Lobera started.

"It is evident that Coro is a good player and it is good news that he will be back for us tomorrow. But, if you rely on one individual, it’s not very likely that you are going to win a lot of things," he added. "So, we need to overcome those adversities with or without those players and we cannot use that as an excuse,” the Spaniard further said.

When questioned about his tactics, which focus more on attack the former Barcelona youth coach said, “Our style of play is not going to change. I think the style of play we deploy is what makes our players stronger and that is the route we have to follow if we are to achieve important things."

"But, there are aspects of the game we need to improve upon. Not just in open play, but also in set-pieces. In the last match, we conceded two goals from corners. So, there are things that we need to improve upon, but without changing the style of play.”

Mandar Rao Desai has been deployed as a full-back this season, instead of his natural position as a winger. “I think Mandar is the only Indian player who is capable of playing that position. If I decide to play a foreign player that is a different situation."

"But, in this case, I think he is the only player capable of playing that position because I am utilizing my foreigners in other positions, where I feel like I need them more,” the coach explained.

“I think tomorrow we are going to see a different form of Delhi which we haven’t seen so far. They are a good team with a good coach. Tomorrow, if we are not at 100%, I don’t see us getting those points easy," Lobera concluded.

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Team News

FC Goa

No injury or suspension concerns are there at present for FC Goa.

Delhi Dynamos

The Lions might miss out on the services of Romeo Fernandes, who is doubtful to feature against Goa.

Probable Lineups

FC Goa: Nawaz, Seriton, Fall, Chinglensana, Mandar, Jahouh, Lenny, Bedia, Boumous, Jackichand, Corominas.

Delhi Dynamos: Dorronsoro, Kotal, Crespi, Das, Gianni, Sekar, Tebar, Bikramjit, Mihelic, Chhangte, Lalhlimpuia.

Did You Know?

• This match will see Romeo Fernandes face his former club. Romeo was a part of FC Goa for three ISL seasons and has scored seven goals for them.

• Francisco Dorronsoro leads the league in saves. The Delhi custodian has made 20 saves in seven matches.

• Hugo Boumous scored for the Gaurs the last time the Dynamos visited Goa. The final score was 1-1.

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Broadcast

The match will take place on Thursday evening at 7:30 pm at the Fatorda Stadium in Madgaon. On television, the match will be broadcasted live on Star Sports network. Meanwhile, it will also be streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.