Juan Ferrando reveals the problem affecting FC Goa in ISL

The tactician reflected on his team's stalemate against the Highlanders.

FC Goa’s disappointing start to the Indian Super League (ISL) season continued, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by NorthEast United on Monday. In what was a pretty feisty battle between the two sides, the Juan Ferrando-led team managed to hit back after going down to Idrissa Sylla’s penalty in the 40th minute, with Igor Angulo scoring the equalizer.

Juan Ferrando was understandably disappointed with the result and when asked about his thoughts on why his side lacked ruthlessness in the final third, he said, “In my opinion, we are not so clear in the final third of the pitch. We have to show more intention and be more aggressive in those areas from now onward.”

With the Gaurs now winless in their first three games, Ferrando was asked about what needs to improve for his side. “The team has clear concepts on how to win, but we are having some problems in pressing the ball and in some other areas. We are working hard and we are trying to find the best XI. We need to find that to help the players grow into this system. But, we probably also need to change some details in our style,” he said.

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Ferrando made a few changes for the game and when asked about whether he’s close to finding his perfect lineup, the tactician said, “I decided to go with my best set of available players for today. Of course, it’s been necessary to change the system three times already this season. But, I decided it’d be better to not use James (Donachie) for tonight.”

NorthEast United definitely earned their point with a gritty display. But, the game was packed with controversial moments, including a heated scuffle between Ferrando and NorthEast head coach Gerard Nus.

Speaking about NorthEast’s style and his thoughts on them, the Spaniard said, “NorthEast are a compact side. They are working really well defensively. Also, I believe they thinking all the time about wasting time and playing with the referee. They’re also thinking about making fouls and taking time with throw-ins because it’s incredible how much they played with throw-ins. But, I guess everybody is right about their own ways.”

FC Goa now sit in seventh place in the ISL table, after being able to pick up just two points from the first three games. The Gaurs play Kerala Blasters in their next game on Sunday and will hope to get their first win of the season.

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