Derrick Pereira feels FC Goa were denied a 'clear penalty' against Kerala

The tactician also felt the Gaurs' defenders could have performed better for the second goal.

Kerala Blasters and FC Goa played an exciting draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday evening. Both teams scored extraordinary goals in the first half before having a cagey second-half in the fixture. Derrick Pereira's FC Goa had to chase the game from the beginning of the first half after Jeakson Singh and Adrian Luna scored to help Kerala Blasters take a 2-0 lead in the first half.

Following the game, FC Goa interim coach Derrick Periera addressed in the post-match press conference to speak about the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-COs_qGcaOQ

On the penalty decision

Jorge Ortiz came close to scoring a winner for FC Goa in the second half. The Spaniard was on his way to test the keeper when he was brought down in the box. However, the referee did not award Goa a penalty and instead booked Ortiz for a dive. During the post-match press conference, Derrick Pereira revealed that he feels his team were unfortunate to not receive the penalty.

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"I think we lost two points. In the first 10-15 minutes, we conceded two goals. But the boys showed character and stuck to our style of play. And we got us two equalisers," he began.

"In the second half, we were trying to go for winners. I think it was a clear penalty for me. Everybody on the bench could see it. On top of that, my player gets a yellow card. I don't know what to say. In the long run, he may get suspended," Pereira quipped.

On Goa's defensive issues

Kerala Blasters scored two goals, with Dheeraj being culpable for the first goal. The FC Goa custodian looked out of position and failed to clear Jeakson's header from going in. However, Derrick insisted that his defenders should have done better to prevent the shots.

"I think it's not a goalkeeping mistake, but we should have done better for the second goal. We should have pressed the player up well. We gave him a lot of space to take the shot, and it got connected well.

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"I don't think the goalkeeper had any chance. For the first goal, we were aware of their set-pieces, and we were prepared for it. But the man marker missed to go along with the player," the tactician explained.

On the injuries

FC Goa are missing Brandon Fernandes, Alberto Noguera and Airam Cabrera because of injuries. Derrick Pereira provided an update on the fitness of the Spaniards.

"Both of them (Noguera and Cabrera) should be back for the next match. They are working hard and recovering. The medical and the coaches are working on them to get them back as soon as possible. We didn't want to risk them today and save them for the remainder of the season," he informed.

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