Derrick Pereira hoping for new start; Kiko Ramirez eye defensive stability

The Gaurs have a 100% win record against the Juggernauts in the Indian Super League.

After a perfect start to Indian Super League 2021-22 with successive wins, Odisha FC have suddenly find themselves reeling in the bottom half with only one win in their last four matches. Kiko Ramirez's men were thrashed 4-0 by Jamshedpur FC and followed it with a 2-1 loss to Chennaiyin FC. FC Goa have had an exact opposite campaign this season. They lost their first three games, but since recovered well with two wins and a draw in their next three. The Goa camp was rocked on Sunday after news broke head coach Juan Ferrando was leaving for ATK Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa have brought in the cool and experienced head of Derrick Pereira to draw them out of this mud.

Odisha are also yet to win a game against FC Goa in four ISL meetings. The Gaurs have also scored 11 times against the Juggernauts in those meetings. Ahead of the match, coaches of both teams addressed the media and shared their thoughts on the upcoming clash.

Odisha FC

Just one clean-sheet in six games

Odisha FC have already conceded 13 goals in six matches, joint fourth highest in the league. Kiko Ramirez's side have also managed to keep just one clean-sheet in those six matches. "As a coach, I want that. One of the objectives for coaches is that we don’t concede any goal," said Ramirez.

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"Every day it's good for a show because there are always a lot of goals in the matches. So it's something that maybe is not good for coaches, but good for the people that are watching the games," quipped the Spaniard tactician.

Thoughts on FC Goa as a opponent

Odisha FC are yet to win a match against the Gaurs. In four meetings, they have conceded 11 goals and scored only three. FC Goa have also changed coaches this season. Kiko was asked if that will have an impact in their preparation for the game.

"We know they have a clear style of play and it's absolute. That is something that the staff was working on during the whole week thinking that they like the possession game. Let's see what we can find now that they have changed the coach," observed the Odisha boss. "We know that they will keep the style, but we'll see if they change some aspects during the match."

If change in coach for Goa gives Odisha an advantage

FC Goa have appointed the experienced Derrick Pereira as their head coach following Juan Ferrando's departure. Pereira will be on the touchline for the match against Odisha FC. A new coach makes FC Goa unpredictable, but Kiko Ramirez doesn't think it will give Odisha FC any advantage.

"We cannot assure you that this can be good for us. Of course, it's going to be a difficult time for them, but maybe they want to push and they want to. They didn't start with the competition well even though they won the last (two) matches," reflected the Spaniard. "They were still adapting. So, for us, it is the same Goa that we know with a coach or without one and all the staff is prepared. We will have our chances for the day."

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FC Goa

Thoughts on similar experience in 2019-20 season. If it will be different this time

Pereira also took over as the FC Goa head coach after Sergio Lobera's sacking in the 2019-20 season. The 59-year-old had then guided the team to a top-place finish and helped them secure an AFC Champions League berth in addition to the league shield. This time, however, Pereira has 14 games to decide FC Goa's season. He also believes this season will be different than two seasons ago.

"It will be. There are a lot of matches to be played. On the previous occasion, we were near the end of the season. But this time around it’s a different feeling," quoted Pereira. "I am eager to get out of quarantine and work with the players. I have chatted with a few senior players virtually and will see what I want to do. Pereira also said he is "putting my thoughts into place and trying to see how we can achieve our goal."

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Has Juan Ferrando's exit affected team

Juan Ferrando activated the release clause in his FC Goa contract and left the club to join ATK Mohun Bagan on December 19 (Sunday). His sudden departure from the club has left everyone at FC Goa upset. But captain and midfielder Edu Bedia believes everyone will get over it.

"This week was different but it doesn’t change anything about the team. We have the same targets which we set at the start of the season," said the FC Goa skipper. "I was upset about the situation but I forget it now. I know Derrick. He will help us a lot. It’s the start of a new journey for us."

Thoughts on Odisha FC

Beida also noted that Odisha FC have changed a lot from last year where they finished at the bottom of the points standings. Kiko Ramirez's side will want to record their maiden win over Goa. "Odisha FC has a very good team. They changed a lot from last year. We have to focus on our style. We have to be competitive and increase the intensity. I believe we have one of the best teams in the league."

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