Juan Ferrando shares thoughts on Amarjit, Glan ahead of NorthEast United game

The FC Goa head coach revealed that they have different plans for different opponents.

Juan Ferrando and FC Goa are not as comfortable as they were two days ago. Wins for Hyderabad and NorthEast United have put their Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs position in jeopardy. The Gaurs are currently hanging on to fourth place on goal-difference. Interestingly, their nearest challengers are their next opponents.

Khalid Jamil and the Highlanders have won three games straight as they head towards the Gaurs. All three were formidable opponents as well. Juan Ferrando will be wary of the threat their opposition pose and will look to exploit any chinks in their armour.

NorthEast's Form

NorthEast’s form has taken a sudden turn under interim coach Khalid Jamil. “Everybody who watches the games can see that the faces of the players are happy. They are enjoying the game, every minute of it.

"The atmosphere of the dressing room at NorthEast is perfect because they are winning the difficult games. The players are free on the pitch. For us, it is very important to have control despite these emotions.”

Ever-changing backine

Ferrando has had to use several defensive combinations during the course of the season to combat injuries and suspensions. “At the end, when we were in pre-season we work with everybody. We practice with different defensive lines because we know that injuries and red cards are possible.

"At the end, we decide the best option one day before the game. I am not scared about that decision because everyone is working hard. We practice with different options.

Ivan Gonzalez on the red card against ATK

The Spaniard feels that the red card was harsh, but it is all behind him now. “It was difficult for me. But, now forget the referee, forget the decisions and only focus on the game.”

FC Goa’s fortunes

Gonzalez also lamented the misfortunes of the Gaurs and promised it is not due to a lack of effort from the players. “We train hard every day. The last three games were three draws. But, I think the team deserved more and put in great effort despite being a player down. ”

Plans for hell and high water

Juan Ferrando insists that no matter what situation presents itself on the pitch, his team will need to be ready for it because it is part of the game. “The coaching staff’s job is to prepare the team for different situations. The red cards are decisions of the referees. Sometimes, I agree, but my job is to prepare the team when we are 11 or 10 or even 9.  

"At the end, it is important for players to know what to do in attack and defence depending on the situation. We shouldn’t lose energy based on refereeing decisions. We can work with different plans. The players know that it is not one plan for all games. It is different plans and it is necessary to work accordingly."

Surmounting Disadvantage

Sending offs put Goa in disadvantageous spots in the last two games. “Kerala, for me were strange decisions, especially in terms of the red card.  At the end when you play with 10 players, you do not have the balance in the team as the opponent.

"Then it becomes necessary to change the way, to change the substitutions we had planned. But, this is football. It is necessary to take the best decisions based on situation.”

Mid-season Signings

FC Goa signed several players during the winter window, bolstering their squad for the second half of the season. “Amarjit (Singh Kiyam) is a very good player. For me, he has a lot of quality. It is the same with Glan (Martins). About Lenny (Rodrigues), it was his target is to play a lot. I hope he gets to play a lot in ATK.

"I am happy with Dheeraj (Moirangthem), Adil (Khan), Amar and Glan. They can help with the team; they can help in keeping with our style and methodology. They want to fight, they want to win and it is very good for us.” Juan Ferrando concluded.