I'm amazed to work with these Indian players, says Juan Ferrando

The Spaniard spoke about his team's preparations ahead of the game against Odisha FC.

With heightened spirits in their ranks, Juan Ferrando and FC Goa take on Stuart Baxter’s Odisha FC at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Saturday. The Spaniard’s squad gathered their first three points in the previous match after a comprehensive showing against Kerala Blasters, outperforming the Yellow Army on all fronts. Now, they face another side who are desperate for a win. 

FC Goa have three games in the next seven days. Starting with Odisha, the Gaurs then face a tough ATK Mohun Bagan side on Wednesday, before playing Chennaiyin FC next Saturday. These three games would be vital in their quest for qualification to the playoffs. “Next week is a hard week because we have three games. It is very important for us, for our future,” Juan Ferrando stated.

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The Spanish coach acknowledged the positive effects of the win against Kerala Blasters, but also explained how in such a short season there is no time to rest on one’s laurels. “At the end, three points is good for the confidence of the players. When they win, it is better for the mind, they become positive during training. Now, for me, Odisha FC is the most important. In football, when you lose or win, the next day is a new day. It is very important to forget the win against Kerala.”

The coach has tinkered with his lineup during all his matches, with every game so far featuring a unique starting XI for the Gaurs. “I believe in all the players. Of course, it is possible only to play 11. I take a decision that is best for the team based on the opponents, based on training, based on whether players are ready. Last game, we played (Alexander) Romario, the first game we played Len (Doungel). I am happy in these cases because everyone is working hard.”

Several FC Goa players have stepped up to adapt to his philosophy and Juan Ferrando acknowledged the efforts put in. “Igor Angulo has been performing at a high level for us. Brandon (Fernandes) and Edu (Bedia) understand the spaces. It is the same with Princeton (Rebello), who started the first game. Brandon, Edu, Seriton (Fernandes), James (Donachie) and Aiban (Dohling) understand a lot of tactical details. It is amazing for me to work with them.”

The Spaniard also feels that his team is nowhere close to their best. “We need to work more. This season is very difficult because we worked only one month during pre-season. Only three friendly games. With this team, it is possible to play more, it is possible to increase the intensity. Sure, day-by-day we will be better. It is necessary to improve a lot.”

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Despite the last victory, FC Goa are yet to register a clean sheet, something that bothers Juan Ferrando. “I am so happy with the team. But, sometimes we need intensity in defence. When we press high up the pitch, we need to be more aggressive. ”

He also feels the need to improve on a few aspects of the Gaurs’ game. “When we are working in training, we need to control 2-3 details in transitions. For us, it is very important that we continue working a lot. In the future, we will play in the AFC Champions League. In yesterday’s game, two mistakes were made and it was a goal. It is also important to think about not only the present but also the future.”

“It is very difficult. Hard games are up ahead. In this league, to play with only 11 players is difficult. The scores are not going to be big. Level of all the teams is very close. All games are like a final. One mistake is going to be a goal for the opposition,” Juan Ferrando concluded.

Meanwhile, Saviour Gama has filled the void left by former Goa full-back Mandar Rao Desai with ease. Starting in the last three games, the youngster feels like his match needs to provide more of an edge for his team. “I am very happy with my performances so far. I need to improve a lot, especially in terms of offensive support.”

The full-back also grabbed his first assist, providing marksman Igor Angulo with a stellar floated ball to convert against Kerala. “He (Angulo) makes the perfect runs. I’m looking forward to providing more assists and helping the team.”