Sergio Lobera: It's going to be a difficult match against a very good team

The Spaniard vowed that his team is in line to improve their performance in the upcoming game.

FC Goa will face Chennaiyin FC in their upcoming match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Currently, Goa are placed atop the points table, with 18 points from nine matches and their coach Sergio Lobera addressed the media ahead of the game.

Coach's Corner

Sergio Lobera had given a stern message to his boys after the last game and he was asked whether he expected an instant reaction from the players in the upcoming encounter. He said, “Yes, I think I told you after the last match to learn and improve about our mistakes and every match we have had mistakes. We are working in the same way, to try to improve 100% for the next game.” (sic.) [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] He then spoke about the opposition, as Sergio Lobera remarked, “I think in the last two matches with a new coach, Chennaiyin, it is possible to see some changes. They play with good intensity; with good balance on offensive and defensive. They play two matches and I think they deserved to win two matches because against Jamshedpur, some things were possible to change the result." “My analysis as a coach is that they deserved the win. It is not an easy match for us. I think it is going to be a very difficult match against a very good team in good dynamic after the change of the coach. I think John Gregory did a very good job with Chennaiyin, but now the reaction of the players with the change is important.” He further put his attention on the upcoming match by saying, “I think it is very important to focus on the next game and not to think about where we can finish the season. Because, the focus is very important on Chennaiyin." “It is very important three points for us. Every game is important and now is not the time to think where the team can finish the season.” [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Mohammad Nawaz was also asked about his thoughts about playing under the tutelage of Sergio Lobera and the overall coaching staff of FC Goa. Nawaz said, “See, first of all, I have learnt a lot of things from the last season. I have got confidence to play now and I don’t have any pressure to play against big players. “The coach gave me confidence to play. Our goalkeeping coach supports me, corrects me when I do mistakes. He encourages me when I do good things. I don’t have any pressure to play now. Every player supports me when I do good things or make mistakes. I am learning in every match and I am enjoying playing football.”

Team News

Ferran Corominas made a comeback from injury in the last game, but Jackichand Singh had to be taken off on a stretcher in the 23rd minute itself. He could be in line to miss the game against Chennaiyin FC.

Head-To-Head

Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa have faced each other 14 times in the past, where the former have won seven matches and Goa emerged victorious six times. One of the encounters ended in a draw. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Predicted XI

Nawaz; Seriton, Fall, Pena, Mandar; Lenny, Jahouh, Boumous; Brandon, Manvir, Corominas.

Broadcast

The game will commence from 7:30 PM IST, Thursday. It will be telecast live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD. It will also be available to stream on Hotstar and Jio TV.