Would have won if all chances were utilized, feels Sergio Lobera

The Islanders' head coach opened up on how conceding the early goal cost them later on in the match.

On Monday, Bengaluru FC dealt a hammer blow to Mumbai City's dreams of finishing at the top of the Indian Super League (ISL) table by beating them 4-2, in a highly entertaining clash at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Goa. Sergio Lobera and his boys conceded a goal as early as the 25th second after kickoff and there was no looking back since for the Blues, as they took home the three points.

After the game, Lobera addressed the media in the post-match press conference. He said that things turned difficult for his team as soon as they conceded that early goal from BFC's Cleiton Silva.

"Obviously, when we concede a goal before the 30th second - that too against a team that was trying hard to regain momentum, it becomes very difficult for us. The goal served as an extra motivation for them," the tactician said. "But, I think our reaction to the two Bengaluru goals was good. We were able to score one back, but then to concede the third goal was painful. Despite this, we surely continued working and scored another goal. If you observe carefully, we had chances to score more goals later on."

Bengaluru FC's performance

Sergio Lobera was in no mood to undermine Mumbai City's opponents as he duly credited them for their performance.

"We know BFC. They are a very strong team. Maybe they are in a very difficult position now, but always with them we have to be careful," he said, before adding, "Because they are a very good team with good players. When you give them the opportunity to score, they manage that situation well and that's what they did."

Lack of balance

For a team that conceded just four goals in their first 12 matches, the Islanders have been shockingly poor in defence in their recent games. In the five matches since then, they have conceded 11 goals, including the four that Bengaluru scored on Monday. Despite this, Lobera said that he is more concerned about the goalscoring chances that his team squandered.

"I know that we conceded four goals. The most important thing in football is the balance and we have not been defending well. But, my concern is more about the chances where we didn't score. If we had scored every chance we would have won, I am sure.

https://youtu.be/EQwbVcM1Fg0

"It's true that we have to improve the balance between attack and defence and for that we have to improve our defensive abilities. But, according to me, we should also be thinking about the chances that weren't converted," he further added.

Playoffs Race

Earlier this month, Mumbai City became the first team this season to qualify for the playoffs. While they and ATK Mohun Bagan have cemented their spot in the final four, there is plenty of competition between the likes of NorthEast United, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Bengaluru and even Jamshedpur FC for the third and fourth positions on the points table. "The league has been very competitive this season," Sergio Lobera said, when asked about it.

"In our case, we have done a very, very good job as we qualified very early. This is a very good thing for us. It is surely going to be tough (the road ahead)," he commented.

Rowllin Borges' early substitution

Despite being one of the best players on the pitch, Rowllin Borges was substituted earlier than usual. In the post-match press conference, Lobera explained his reasons for the decision.

"When we conceded the first two goals, I felt that we needed to be more offensive and so we had to play in a 4-1-3-2 formation. For that, we needed a midfielder with more of an attacking ability - and that was Raynier (Fernandes)," he said. "I am very happy with Rowllin and his performances. It goes without saying that I have no problems with him. It's just that we wanted Raynier on the field at that point of time."

Ogbeche-Le Fondre partnership

The 44-year-old was further questioned on why he chose to play Bartholomew Ogbeche and Adam le Fondre together upfront, when the duo is yet to develop a solid rapport with each other. But, he dismissed the notion, saying that they can play well together.

"Of course, they can play together. If you remember, I was asked the same question after the first game against NorthEast United. Back then I gave the same answer as I have given now. We had to think about the gameplan before the match and as you know, we are missing some key players (like Hugo Boumous).

"Hence, this was Plan B and it was implemented by playing them together. Anyways, the way we lineup and play always depend on our opponents and it's true that I prefer one striker upfront - but this was our best possible option," the former FC Goa boss concluded.