Juan Ferrando shifts attention to ISL trophy after FC Goa wins playoffs spot

The Gaurs head coach spoke to the media after entering the ISL 2020-21 playoffs on Sunday.

FC Goa qualified for the semi-finals after holding Hyderabad FC to a 0-0 draw in Match 109 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Sunday’s first game. Juan Ferrando and his men finished fourth on the league table following the stalemate, but the Spanish head coach conceded that the game was a very tough one for his side.

“It was a very difficult game, mostly because Hyderabad FC is a very good team. They have very good players and they try to control the spaces. It was very difficult to control the emotions and the stress,” Ferrando said at the post-match press conference.

Juan Ferrando also revealed that he was happy with a point from the game, although he expected a better performance from his attackers heading into the semi-finals.

“In this scenario, I am happy with a point. But I am disappointed with the attack because we did not control the spaces and we lost a lot of easy passes. When you play, it is necessary for the attack to keep calm,” said the FC Goa head coach.

The Gaurs set a new Hero ISL record after going unbeaten in 13 games this season. However, Ferrando did not pay much heed to that.

“Records are not important for me. I am happy because FC Goa is in the top four. In a lot of games, we have controlled the space and we have attacked," he explained.

"I am happy with these points," Ferrando further added, before concluding: "But for now, we need to win the trophy." FC Goa will face Indian Super League 2020-21 league stage winners Mumbai City FC in the playoffs.

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