Our focus is on our team, asserts Juan Ferrando

The Spaniard spoke following his team's win against Bengaluru FC on Sunday.

A thrilling victory against Bengaluru pushed FC Goa to the brink of achieving a playoffs spot, a feat they won’t be able to confirm until the last round of matches in the ISL. Igor Angulo and Redeem Tlang gave the Gaurs a quickfire two-goal lead in the first half, before Suresh Singh Wangjam pulled one back for the Blues. Following the game, head coach Juan Ferrando spoke to the media.

He assured that the results of the NorthEast United or Hyderabad ties won’t matter to them, as they are focused on themselves. “Our focus at this moment is on our team. The target is on the next game against Hyderabad. The last games will be difficult for everybody.”

Redeem Tlang & Ishan Pandita's performance

Redeem Tlang’s impressive display was capped off by a goal, a stark contrast to his second match for the Gaurs, when he got sent off against Mumbai City. “He continued working. He is working on the pitch. Today, he took his opportunity. I am happy for him, for the job he did, for his goal. The most important thing for him now is that he needs to continue in the same line.”

https://youtu.be/TDs468jGVdA

There have been calls to give the young Ishan Pandita a start, but Ferrando asserted that he makes decisions that are for  the good of FC Goa. “We choose the best XI. For me, age is not important, nor the fact that last season the player played 20 games. Everyone is working hard. It is difficult to change some details in some situations, especially last week, when we had four games.”

Jorge Ortiz's omission

Jorge Ortiz’s omission from the squad was a huge surprise considering the Spaniard’s form on the pitch. “This morning, I was talking with him. In the end, we decided to protect to ensure that he is in recovery and gets ready for the next few games.”

The next match is going to be a mouthwatering clash between two playoffs hopefuls, as FC Goa and Hyderabad FC clash for one of two spots, with NorthEast United waiting to pounce on any slip-ups. “All the games are totally different. Today and tomorrow is rest for the players because the last week was a hard week.

"After that, we would be preparing to win the next game. It is the mentality of the club because we want to win the next three points. ” Juan Ferrando concluded.

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