FC Goa are all set to face Mumbai City FC in a very important match in the Indian Super League as the Gaurs will be looking to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat against Bengaluru FC in the previous clash. Carlos Pena and his men will be hoping that they can match the levels of the Islanders, who are unbeaten in this tournament till now.
The Gaurs are on a six match winless streak against Mumbai City FC, Pena is ready to change all of that and make them believe that they can win against this dominant team, that too away from home. FC Goa are fifth in the standings with four wins and three defeats and will be looking to improve on their record but for now Pena likes the start that they have had this season. He reminded everyone of the place where the team finished last season and believes that even if they play Hyderabad FC or Mumbai City they will still give a tough fight.
“I think our start to the season has been very good, not to forget, this team finished 9th last season. We have started really well, and we are in a good position, but we have to improve many things,” Pena stated ahead of the Mumbai City clash.
“When I see the standings, I see two teams that are consistent, like Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC. Then I see a group of teams that will fight because the league is so tight, and we (FC Goa) will fight,” the Spaniard highlighted.
Speakingabout Mumbai City FC, Pena shared how the Islanders are in their second year under Des Buckingham so they know his style pretty well and there is also synergy among the players for being accustomed to each for a longer period of time and hence it will turn out to be a cracker of a game. He also applauded the way they have started the ISL season.
“We are facing a very good team in Mumbai City FC. They are having a very good season, it is their second season with the same coach, and the way they play and the way the players know each other, they have started the season in a very good way,” FC Goa coach shared.
Lastly the Spanish tactician highlighted how scoring early always gives an upper hand to any team but in their three defeats. He believes that they had created too many chances but failed to take any of them and it came back to haunt them. He understands that the team will have to manage the game carefully to secure a win against Mumbai City.
“Concerning scoring first, it is important to score first because then we can force the opponent to allow more space. But thinking about the three games that we lost, I think we created many chances and were unlucky not to finish those chances. We showed good ambition and character to come back. We must manage situations carefully because we know many things will come back to haunt us. We have to score first if we want to manage the game well and win on Thursday,” Pena concluded.
