Jorge Costa out to set record straight against Goa, Jesus Tato says Gaurs keen to focus on themselves
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
Mumbai have been humiliated twice by FC Goa this season, losing both the league games.
Mumbai City FC and Jorge Costa welcome FC Goa in the first leg of their semi-final of the Indian Super League. Goa are one of the only two sides to have beaten Mumbai every time the two sides have met this season. Given the poor record, Costa's men would have revenge on their minds when they play against the Gaurs.
Meanwhile, Goa would be confident not only of having kept clean-sheets in both the games they played against Mumbai, but also of the fact that they dominated the Islanders in the entire 180 minutes of play. The two coaches met the media before the first leg to share their thoughts about the game and reflect on their preparations for the same.
Coach's Corner
Jorge Costa (Mumbai City FC)
Jorge Costa has lost twice against Goa, but he claims it has only helped him learn more on how not to lose against the Gaurs. The Mumbai head coach also believes that his players would have noted the points that have gone wrong for them and the team against the Gaurs twice.
"This is the reality and the reality is that we lost the last two games we played against them. I have learned some things from the two games and I am sure that the players also would have learned some things. We know how to lose against them and we will try to not lose again."
Costa has again promised a better performance against the team that has dominated the Islanders in every department so far this season. The Islanders' tactician explained why he believes the game and its result would be different from what it has been in the league stage.
He said, "I honestly hope that we see a different game tomorrow. It is not a league game, it is like the Champions League - two-legged games, home and away. We will play tomorrow half-time and then we play half-time in Goa. I can honestly tell you that we will have a different game tomorrow."
The Portuguese insisted that his side is happy with the way they play and that he is also content about everything about his team. He said, "I am happy with the team, the defence and the players. I am happy with the way we play, the way we attack and the way we defend."
Jesus Tato (FC Goa)
Goa assistant manager Jesus Tato believes that the team has to focus only on the way they play and the way they have been playing throughout the season. They don't think they will benefit from focusing more on Mumbai and lesser on themselves.
"The most important is our style of play. Of course, you have to respect the way Mumbai City play and the quality they have. We have to focus on ourselves," he said.
Tato also believes that what happened in the past doesn't count anymore and that his side will have to win the next two games again against Mumbai, or else the previous two wins wouldn't do any good to them.
"We have to leave what happened in the past. What happened in the league stage doesn't count anymore. It will be a very different and difficult game against Mumbai."
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Team News
Mumbai City FC
Mumbai have everyone fit and available for selection.
FC Goa
FC Goa have no injury issues and will have a full squad for the game.
Probable Lineups
Mumbai City FC
Amrinder, Goian, Souvik, Bose, Balmuchu, Machado, Raynier, Pranjal, Bastos, Sougou, Issoko.
FC Goa
Naveen, Seriton, Pena, Fall, Mandar, Lenny, Jahouh, Bedia, Brandon, Jackichand, Corominas.
Did You Know?
- Goa have scored seven goals without any reply against Mumbai this season.Mumbai City are yet to win a game in the ISL's knockout stages, while Goa have tasted victory just once in seven attempts.Goa are the first team to feature in the semi-finals of the ISL four times.
Broadcast
The match will take place on Saturday at 7:30 PM at Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai. On television, the match will be broadcast live on Star Sports. Meanwhile, it will also be streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.
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