Clifford Miranda: Tata Football Academy is the best academy in India

The Gaurs are coming into the game on the back of a big win against Mumbai in their previous game.

FC Goa need only one point to stay at the top of the Indian Super League (ISL) table and qualify for the AFC Champions League. They will face Jamshedpur FC in their last league game on Wednesday at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. Interim head coach Clifford Miranda agreed that it will be a tough game for his team. Having earned just 18 points from their 17 matches, the Men of Steel are already out of the playoffs race. However, they are still a threat to FC Goa's hopes of qualifying for the ACL. Ahead of this crucial game Clifford Miranda and midfielder Lenny Rodrigues addressed media personnel. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

On Jamshedpur FC And Objectives Of The Season

Praising the potential of his opponent Clifford Miranda said, "You know just because they haven't had a good season does not mean that they will come easy at us. This is football and I am sure we are going to face an equally tough team." "I don’t see it as an easy game and we will not take it lightly because it is a very important game for us against, I believe, a very good opponent. They have already beaten us in Goa and I don’t see that it would be an easy game for us. It’s a very important and crucial game." He also explained why this match is very important for his team. "It is important because from the beginning we have some objectives. The club had set some objectives and one of it was to top the league." "So, if we can get a result in our favour against Jamshedpur then one of our objectives will be achieved and that is to stand first in the league and obviously to play in the champions league," remarked Clifford Miranda. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

On TATA Football Academy

The interim head coach is a product of the Tata Football Academy (TFA). He learned many things in the academy and believes it is still the best in India. "Everyone knows that TFA is still the best academy in the country. I came out from this academy and there have been several players over the years that the academy has produced." "Most of them have gone on to play for the national team as well. Even at this moment, there are a lot of players who have come out of the academy and playing really good for their respective teams. Many players have also become good coaches. I have nothing but praise for this academy," said Clifford Miranda. "For me, once you get into the TFA and if you stay there for a period of time, till you graduate they make a player out of you and ofcourse a good person as well. For me, it is and was the best academy in the country. Today, whatever I am, they made me the player I am. This academy will always remain special to me."

Lenny Rodrigues On Preparations For The Game

Lenny also echoed the coach's comment and said, "This is the most important game of the season for us. We want to win this game and go ahead to the playoffs because we have practised a lot and worked very hard for this game. We have come here to win and take three crucial points." He was further asked about life after the sacking of their previous head coach Sergio Lobera. Lenny remarked, "We are missing him, but he is not here. Ofcourse, we are missing his strategy and style of play. We are still using his strategy and playing style on the pitch." [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News|ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Team News

The Gaurs will go into the match with two suspensions. Brandon and Seriton Fernandes are suspended due to receiving too many yellow cards in previous matches.

Head-To-Head

This will be the sixth clash between the two sides. FC Goa have won two games against Jamshedpur, while one match ended in a draw. Jamshedpur have won two matches as well.

Probable Lineup

Nawaz, Ranawade, Fall, Pena, Mandar, Jahouh, Lenny, Manvir, Boumous, Jackichand, Corominas.

Broadcast

The game will be played at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur on Wednesday from 7:30 PM IST. It will be broadcasted live on Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 HD and be available to stream on Hotstar and Jio TV.