Juan Ferrando banks on positive mentality to mount title challenge in ISL 2021-22

FC Goa begin their new season against defending champions Mumbai City on November 22.

Juan Ferrando worked brilliantly with FC Goa last season. The brand of football which the Gaurs played impressed many. Goa finished fourth last season, before losing to Mumbai City on penalties in the playoffs. With just two days to the start of the brand-new Indian Super League season, the Spanish tactician interacted with the media.

Expectations from ISL 2021-22

FC Goa are unbeaten in 15 consecutive matches from last season. They have remained one of the most consistent teams in the ISL for quite a few years now and also won the League Winners' Shield. But, the title has eluded them.

When asked if this would add pressure upon the side this season, the tactician said, “To be honest, no. The last season is past. This is a new season, a new chapter. For me, the most important is the players and as long as I know the players and they know me. More or less, we have the same players and the same coaching staff. I think this is a positive. Of course, we have learnt some things from the past.”

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Trust FC Goa showed on him

Many clubs, this season, have seen a change at the helm. A few examples can be SC East Bengal, Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters and of course, champions Mumbai City. However, the FC Goa management has kept faith with the 40-year-old Spaniard.

“The club gave me a great opportunity to work here in August (pre-season). In September, we participated in the Durand Cup. They (management) helped me a lot with the facilities during the pre-season. I am happy with this point about the club because they trusted in my process," he said.

“It is important to be tactical. It is very important to be clear about the points in attack and defence and the players know about our style and process. But, in the end, it is important to control the emotions. Sometimes, we forget that the players are not robots. They have emotions and feelings," added the FC Goa coach.

Lessons from last season

The seventh edition of the ISL concluded on March 13. The new season begins later this week, over eight months later. Such a long gap between seasons is something at which many critics have shown their disgust. Juan Ferrando though is not ready to look in the past.

“The past is past for me. The most important thing for us is the present. The past does not exist. The past is good for us because we were together. We were in difficult moments and thanks to these moments, we know our performance, our targets and our job," expressed Ferrando looking back on last season. "Our focus is on the Mumbai City game; try to do the best, find the best lineup, the best substitutions, take the best decisions. Then, day by day, we’ll see. Of course, we have ambitions and a very positive mentality."

Challenges of bio-bubble

A man on a mission, Juan Ferrando believes his team need to improve every day because it is possible. He feels it necessary in training sessions to note some points and then improve on them. Like the previous season, the teams have been constrained to a bio-bubble. Players have always said how difficult it is for them to stay in a bubble and also the mental impact created by it.

When asked about the challenges faced due to the bio-bubble, Ferrando reveals, “It is very difficult to tell. I am very happy because last season the components, teammates, coaching staff worked and more or less everybody was positive. This season is a new challenge. Another time we’ll be in the bubble. It is difficult for the head coach because he wants to prepare the best plan, work with individuals, work with the team. I need to put pressure on players. They are all the time in a closed room. They are away from their families, girlfriends, The challenge is very high.”

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Playing style

Juan Ferrando is confident the younger players in the side can compete with the senior players in the first-team. FC Goa have one of the best squads in the ISL, filled with talented young players. Many of them impressed in the Durand Cup, guiding the Gaurs to their maiden Durand Cup title.

“Our target is to play in one style and methodology. The big success is if Romario (Jesuraj) is playing and if he is sent off or injured, then Redeem (Tlang) is on the same level. We have players like Alberto (Noguera), Princeton (Rebello), Glan (Martins), Nemil (Muhammed), Christy (Davis), Danstan (Fernandes), Edu (Bedia).

"According to me, these six players can participate against other teams in positions like No. 8 and No. 10. It is important when they are improving day-by-day. For me, it’s important because if there are suspensions or injuries, all the players are ready and the level of the team is more or less the same. I understand that the performance and technical details of Edu are not the same as Nemil, but for me it’s important that they are on the same level.”

Competition this time

As all the teams have built strong contingents this time, Ferrando feels the competition will be high this time out, “In my point of view, this ISL is very competitive. Hyderabad FC is more improved than the previous season. Odisha FC have a very good squad. Jamshedpur FC is a squad similar to us, but maybe we can improve a lot. Chennaiyin FC is a completely new team but a good one," pointed out Juan Ferrando.

Following their Durand Cup win in pre-season, FC Goa are among the favourites to win the ISL title. Ferrando though is not ready to jump the gun. “I take one game at a time. I think it’s the moment for Indian footballers to change their mentality. It is necessary to talk about the team," he said. "We know the level of the foreigners. It is the best moment to start talking about the teams and not the nationality of the players.”

The FC Goa brand of football

Speaking about their brand of football and areas of improvement from last season, Ferrando said, “FC Goa in my point of view can improve a lot. Of course, we want to play attacking football because the players in our squad work in this methodology. For example, when one player loses a ball, we may lose points. In these cases, it is important to go on trying and improve. It is difficult because this is my job to prepare the team in all points, but at the same moment not lose our methodology; to play attacking football, to control attack, spaces, timings. I think it’s a good challenge.

"I’m happy all the time to help the players understand what is the time of the press, control the space, time to close. I hope FC Goa will be better and their supporters and people who love football will enjoy our games."

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Injury updates

The coach also gave a few updates on the injuries of Muhammed Nemil, Jorge Ortiz and others. “The players are in the process of recovery. The last two months were difficult for two players; Nemil and Brandon”, revealed the 40-year-old. “But, I’m happy because when players are injured, they are working with the medical staff, but they want to join with the team.

"I knew they are working every day in the gym and in the evening on the pitch. Our target is to protect the players and I don’t forget it. These injuries are difficult. Sometimes it’s the bones, muscles or ligaments. It’s necessary to control day-by- day. The players press themselves to be ready. The fitness coach and medical staff are working very hard. We’ll see if they are ready.”

On Anwar Ali

Anwar Ali has recently joined the FC Goa contingent, but he will not be able to make his Indian Super League debut. Speaking about the young lad, Juan Ferrando said, “Anwar can help the team. He is a good centre-back, who understands our style. He can help in building up play, attack and of course, by training, we hope he will understand our style and help our team.”

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