Juan Ferrando: Our mentality is to promote young players step-by-step

The Spaniard along with youngster Princeton Rebello spoke ahead of the clash against SC East Bengal.

With the first half of the 2020-21 Indian Super League campaign drawing close to a conclusion, Juan Ferrando will want his team to maintain their dominating spirit and never-say-die attitude and carry it forward to the next set of games. Their next test is a rejuvenated SC East Bengal who are riding high after notching their first win of the campaign against Odisha FC. The Gaurs will want to bring the Kolkata-based outfit back to reality and in doing so, boost their playoffs chances.

Necessity to control the game throughout

The last two games were a similar story for the Gaurs.  Juan’s men went behind only to rally in the closing stages to get all three points. Despite the victories, the Goa head coach feels that his team need to put more control in the proceedings from the first whistle. “This league is so strange. It is very important to control details, because every game is totally different. More or less, we have one plan. Sometimes it is necessary to change the plan in every game because there are some points that are difficult to control. We won the last two games in the last minute. Of course, we are happy to get three points. But it is very important to control some details in games. At the end, we need to take a good score in the 90 minutes we play, not just the last minute.”

Limited time for preparation

The tight schedule has been a worrisome detail for Juan Ferrando and his able Gaurs, who diligently prepare for every game. “It is difficult because every game is totally different. Playing against Hyderabad is totally different from playing against East Bengal. It is two different plans. You don’t get a lot of time to prepare for the games. In this case, it is difficult for us to control some details. Of course, we want to improve in every game and training. Sometimes, it is difficult, because the schedule is tight.”

Foreign players help in grooming the youngsters

With several key Indian players in the squad, it is imperative that development happens steadily within the squad. Juan Ferrando understands that and believes with the right kind of mentorship, the players are bound to have future success. “There is a target. The target of Goa is to be in the playoffs. The second target is to help the team and the young players. Like Princeton (Rebello) and (Saviour) Gama. Our mentality is to promote young players step-by-step.  When a player decides to come to Goa, like Igor (Angulo), Alberto (Noguera), (Jogre) Ortiz, Ivan (Gonzalez) or James (Donachie), it is not just to come here to play the game. They have two jobs. As a player and as a teacher. It is necessary to come here and help the young players.”

New-look East Bengal and the threat they pose

The new arrival of Bright Enobakhare and a subsequent win against Odisha FC have created a certain buzz amongst the players and the supporters of the Red and Gold Brigade. The added motivation could turn out to be problematic for the Gaurs. On that note, Juan Ferrando said, “With the new players, they are more compact and I think they have shown better quality in the last 3-4 games. The second point is about confidence. Two weeks ago, there was more pressure because they were in the last position. When you win 3-1, the emotions in the dressing room become different. Tomorrow, East Bengal will be playing without stress or pressure. It is like a new opportunity. When players don’t have pressure, they enjoy the game and play.”

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The race for playoffs

The stability in the squads is depicted in the race for playoffs according to Juan Ferrando, with all the major contenders retaining players within their ranks. “ATKMB, in my opinion, is in the first position because the team has played together for three years. They are also compact.  Same goes for Mumbai. Seven players and the coach were together last season.”

“Bengaluru is also a strong team who has played together for three years. And Hyderabad is a difficult team as well. There are three teams for two places. It is difficult, but at the end it is game-by-game. I believe completely in my squad. It is important to prepare well for the games and maintain concentration for 90 minutes. For example, yesterday Hyderabad changed the game completely in 20 minutes,”  concluded Juan Ferrando.

Princeton on his learning curve

Princeton is eager to make his mark in both Indian and Goan football folklore, but he understands that he has to put in effort and be patient with the rewards. “I believe in myself. For me, it is very important to take as much playing time as possible and gain as much experience. For me, every training is very important. I get a lot to learn. The foreign players in my position, they help me understand. For me, it is very important to gain that experience and implement it in the matches. I am hoping for the best and I believe it will come soon.”

Motivation from the experienced players

The young Gaur has also been receiving constant motivation from the senior foreign players in the squad. “To be honest, all the foreign players keep backing the Indian players. They support me in every way possible. They just tell me to be focused and to be patient. That is the important thing, to wait for the right opportunity.”