ISL 2020-21: Juan Ferrando labels FC Goa's win over Odisha FC as 'tough' one
FC Goa has risen to the fourth spot in the 2020-21 Indian Super League table with the win, while Odisha FC is all set to finish at the bottom. Goa has been playing since 2014 and is yet to win the title. Odisha made its debut last season and hasn't been impressive.
FollowFC Goa came up with a decent performance to tame Odisha FC in the Indian Super League 2020-21, at the Fatorda Stadium in Bengaluru, on Wednesday. Goa has risen to the fourth spot, as it stays in contention for the playoffs, while Odisha is all set to finish at the bottom place.
It all began with Alberto Noguera's 18th-minute strike for Goa, followed by Jorge Ortiz's second in the 26th. Although Diego Mauricio pulled one back for Odisha in the 30th, Ivan Gonzalez fired in the third at 75th.
Although Goa's win seemed to be an easy one, club boss, Juan Ferrando felt that it was a tough one. "Of course, when we get three points, we are happy. But, today's game was extremely difficult. The players were emotional and the entire squad was anxious in the middle because we want to make the playoffs. So, we need to keep winning. Odisha FC is a good team and it is not easy to defeat them," he said after the win, reports Sportstar.
ALSO READ: FC Goa stays in playoffs contention with 3-1 win over Odisha FC
"Our style is so easy and simple. We protect the ball and everything mainly depends on our defence at the back. It is important to control the space and build transitions. I have many youngsters in my side. My responsibility is to help them improve and protect them from injuries. Ishan Pandita will start when the time is right and he's fine with it. I not only try working as a head coach, but I'm also a father or brother to them. That's very important," he added.
Meanwhile, Odisha manager, Gerry Peyton hailed Goa for a deserving win, labelling it as a quality side. "I am going to be very honest; they are a very very good side. Technically, they are one of the best in the ISL and that's why they are going for the title. Tactically, we matched them, but technically, they were better than us and they took their goals well," he reckoned, reports goal.com.
"It is very difficult to play against a technical team like Goa who keep the ball. It is waiting and making sure they don't play through to you and try to stay in the game as long as possible until you earn the right to get on the ball and start hitting them on counter-attacks," he settled.
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