PANAJI: FC Goa provided media from all over the country an insight into their preparations for 2020-21 season on the customary pre-season Media Day, on Friday via the online platform Zoom. Although the Gaurs vouch for the typical tiki-taka brand of football in their nature since former coach Sergio Lobera perfected the craft, the new head coach Juan Ferrando is said to be tactically stronger. Thus, FC Goa are gearing up for the Hero ISL and AFC Champions League campaign, with fresh impetus in the tactical facet of their game.
FC Goa captain Edu Bedia disclosed that Ferrando is a different type of a coach compared to Lobera, who would trust the players to do what they did well naturally, but his replacement is tactically sound and this will boost the team. He also claimed that the squad this year is as good as the team from the past or even better than that as there is a greater ‘rhythm’ in their play. “I have been helping the new arrivals as much as possible with my knowledge of the league,” said former Barcelona B midfielder Bedia, who has been in Goa over the last three seasons.
Earlier in a digital press conference, coach Ferrando revealed he was satisfied with the way the squad has shaped up. He also asserted that all conditions are same for all the teams and there won’t be any advantage. “We are working more tactically at this point in time and our mentality will be the same regardless of the fixture list,” said the highly-rated Spanish tactician whose side will have to stand the test from Bengaluru FC (Nov 22) and Mumbai City FC (Nov 25) in the first two matches of ISL7.
Home-grown midfielders and India internationals Brandon Fernandes and Lenny Rodrigues expressed sadness over the scenario of playing behind closed doors but emphasised that they are professionals and cannot worry about whatever is not in their control. Both players focus on the challenge ahead and committed their outlook at notching up a better performance than they did last season.
At 36, Igor Angulo will be one of the oldest forwards in the ISL this season. The Spaniard is however, very confident of producing a fruitful season.
