Goa: FC Goa will want to reignite their performance, one they had began their season with when they take on Chennaiyin at the Fatorda Stadium here on Thursday.
It was 3-2 to the ‘Gaurs’ when both the sides had last met in the Indian Super League and although since that victory at the ‘Marina Arena’, Sergio Lobera’s side have won more five matches, they have also lost the same no of matches and drawn another two. Which has brought them to a low sixth, on 20 points from 13 matches.
Inconsistency have hurt them so big, that from remaining in the top four at the start of the season, they now have faltered back. But what has been more amusing is the amount of goals they have shipped-in —- the no stands on 25, which is just four less of the goals they have actually scored in the opposition’s net — which is second highest so far in the fourth edition of the ISL.
Of the 25 goals they conceded, eight cane in the last three fixtures, earning them just one point out of the possible nine. It has coach Lobera worried, who stressed that victories in the next two matches is a necessity, if Goa are to make it to the play-offs.
“It’s obvious that getting just one point from three games wasn’t good for us. It is clear to be in the top four we have to improve in the next two games. And that’s what we have been working in training. The most important thing will be to restore the confidence in the team,” said the Spaniard at the pre-match
Injuries to key players has been a major concern for the ‘Gaurs’ in the last few matches and Lobera breathed a sigh of relief now that he has an entire team against Chennaiyin.
“However we have a good team. A team I believe that can be in the top four if we play to our potential,” he added in an adamant tone
Chennai coach John Gregory on the other will be contented with a point. They are winless in their last two last fixtures but the Englishman believes a point from this tough away fixture should do them some good.
‘This is a big game for both of us. We would want to get something out of this game, even if it’s just a point,” said Gregory.
The ‘Marina Machans’ are fourth with 24 points after 14 games and a point will lift them to third. But what kept Gregory worried is his boys’ performance against the lower ranked teams. “We tend to play good against big teams,” he added.
A win for Chennaiyin might just transform Goa into what Gregory mentioned was ‘lesser teams.’ But the home side are aiming for a double over them.