Not thinking of previous result against Chennaiyin, insists Juan Ferrando

The Spaniard spoke about his side's preparations ahead of the game against Chennaiyin FC.

While Chennaiyin FC looks at their bleak playoffs hopes, FC Goa will be looking to ensure a place in the knockout stages of the Indian Super League. Juan Ferrando and Co. displayed great fighting spirit to claw back from two goals down to share the spoils with league leaders Mumbai City FC. However, the string of draws have done them no favour, as they aim to make sure that their playoffs streak is alive. They would need all three points against the Marina Machans lest NorthEast United or Hyderabad mange to leapfrog them in the standings.

The character within the squad

The fighting spirit within the Gaurs has pushed the team to good results despite compromising positions on the pitch. Head coach Juan Ferrando explained, “At the end, the most important thing is that the team has a strong personality and strong character and they want to win all the time. This result is because of the players. When the score is not good and when there are moments that are difficult, the team keeps going on with a strong mentality. In our dressing room, this is the first rule.”

He added, "At the end, it is one game more. Our mentality is to get three points. It is about the next 90 minutes. Find the best XI and then our target is to score goals and get three points at the end of the match. We are not thinking about the previous game against Chennaiyin or the previous games played. Every game is a new chapter.”

Ishan Pandita to start versus Marina Machans?

Ishan Pandita has been a key figure on the bench for the Gaurs, scoring three goals. The youngster’s goals have had a huge impact in the playoffs race. Speaking about his availability for the game ahead, Juan Ferrando said, “At the end, we decide the best XI. If we decide to use Ishan as a substitute, it is because in our plan, it is better. Ishan is very hardworking. One detail is that he is still learning. For us, it is important to learn."

"It's not only about the goals, but also about the press, timing of the press, our positions in attack. There are a lot of details. And it is the same case with everybody. Of course, I am very happy when Ishan is on the pitch because he is good at his job. We play as FC Goa. We prepare the best lineup based on the game and the situation," he added.

The reverse fixture

Last time the two sides faced each other, Chennaiyin had outplayed Goa to snatch three points. Juan Ferrando explained about his side's approach after their loss in the reverse fixture. “The game is totally different from the meeting in the first round. Last time, against Chenniayin, we only had two days to prepare. The team was very tired. The mentality was totally different from now. Transitions are much better than the last meeting. And the team is more ready than the first round of fixtures. We need to control set-pieces, because (Manuel) Lanzarote is good at set-pieces. It is necessary to control Isma and second balls with Memo. Tomorrow, we will be ready and the mentality is positive.”

Players' understanding and adapting to the situation

The players have shown an uncanny ability to react positively to any situation that is presented before them. Illustrating the point, Juan Ferrando said, “It is important for me that the players know that we have plans ready for all situations. If we encounter some difficulty, we can change the plan. Day-by-day, the players believe in the team and the teammates."

"Sometimes, we talk about changing the No. 10. We use (Jorge) Ortiz as No.10. Sometimes (Alberto) Noguera or even Devendra (Murgaonkar) who we used as No.10 against Mumbai. For me it is good, when the players are on the pitch and are not scared about the situation. We have difficult moments, but this is the plan. If the score is good, it's good for the mentality of the dressing room,” Juan Ferrando concluded.

Edu Bedia on the threat of suspension

The Spaniard is on three yellow cards, one away from suspension. With four matches left on the business end of the campaign, Edu Bedia will need to be at his best to avoid suspension. Speaking on the situation, the midfielder said, “I try to play all the games to the maximum level I can. But given the fact that there are three yellows playing in the back of my mind, I do try and be a little bit more cautious. To try not to go into tackles or situations that are risky or I am not confident that I’ll get the ball. But right now, we have to play at our maximum because we are playing for everything. We will try and do so with the idea that I have three yellow cards for the group stages.”

On the coming game

FC Goa need a win to maintain clear daylight between them and the chasing pack. “In terms of having pressure, I don’t think so. I think the team is improving constantly on a day-to-day basis. We have been better today than we have in the previous day. We haven’t been defeated for a long period of games. It is always better to look from a positive perspective rather than the negative. I think the game against Chennaiyin will be the most important game of the season, because it is the most important stage of the season," concluded Bedia.

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