Juan Ferrando calls for change in players' mentality

FC Goa have lost both of their opening two matches for the first time since 2016.

For the second game running, FC Goa shipped three goals and lost. They were beaten 3-1 by Jamshedpur FC on Friday, leaving them at the bottom of the pile. Nerijus Valskis scored a brace, while Jordan Murray came off the bench and found the net. For Juan Ferrando's side, Airam Cabrera's 86th minute strike was the only consolation.

Goa have now conceded six goals in their first two matches and scored only one in reply. They lost the season opener to Mumbai City FC earlier this week.

Here’s what the FC Goa coach Juan Ferrando had to say in the post-match press conference:

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Did you expect the scoreline?

In the manner the match started, Jamshedpur FC was clearly the dominant side with FC Goa struggling to put together attacks. Who would lose was anyone's guess. But, what followed in the second half must have come as a surprise to the FC Goa boss.

“Of course, I did not expect this scoreline. But, I think after the first goal, the team was under pressure and lacked confidence. At the end, it’s a difficult moment for the team. After 0-2, the emotions of the team (it’s difficult)," stated Ferrando.

What went wrong?

FC Goa's performance degraded in the second half, though they did enjoy a few attempts on goal. A goal from Airam Cabrera and Edu Bedia’s shot kissing the crossbar were the two major events in the Goa attacking third. Even in the first half, they failed to create chances, keeping in mind the quality they possess. But, what exactly did go wrong for the Gaurs? The mentality or tactics or the physicality?

Juan Ferrando said, “This is, I think of course, psychology. But, if you want to know about the tactics, we play in the same style all the time. 100% it’s the mentality and not the physicality because we played in the Durand Cup. Also, I have the responsibility to control the emotions of the dressing room."

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Under pressure after two consecutive defeats?

The only other time FC Goa lost their first two matches in any ISL edition was in 2016. The team will have time to recover quickly from this, as they face NorthEast United on December 4. When asked if these back-to-back losses will put pressure on the team and himself, the tactician replied, “Pressure is not the word. I’m upset.”

Has he found preferred playing XI?

FC Goa have 29 players in their squad, with each of them possessing immense quality and gelling in their respective positions. When asked if he has found a preferred starting lineup, Juan Ferrando mentioned, “No, sometimes the players are working hard because they are not 100% in performance due to injuries and some problems.

“But, in this case, I am happy because they try to do their best on the pitch. Of course, it’s difficult when in the lineup three or four or five players have problems, but they want to help the team. In this case, I am happy, but it’s difficult to play 90 minutes in high intensity.”

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