ISL 2019-20 | It was difficult match against tough opposition, says Sergio Lobera
FC Goa manager Sergio Lobera stated that he was satisfied with the draw against Bengaluru FC given the match was against a difficult side and the hosts didn’t play like they deserved to win anyway. The Spanish manager, however, didn’t believe that Edu Bedia and Hugo Boumous’ absence was the problem.
FC Goa had a great chance to avenge their ISL final defeat last season when they hosted defending champions Bengaluru FC, who were coming off a stalemate against NorthEast United FC while an under-strength Goa side had demolished Chennaiyin FC 3-0 in their last match.
However, momentum couldn’t do much for the Super Cup winners as after Udanta Singh put Bengaluru FC ahead in the 62nd minute, they needed a 93rd minute penalty from Ferran Corominas to balance put things. The spoils were shared and Lobera has been of the opinion that although he went for all the three points, one point was what his team deserved.
“I am not happy because I always want the full three points. One point wasn’t good for us going into the match, but if you saw the match, maybe one point is what we deserved,” said the Goa head coach at the post-match press conference, reported the ISL website.
“Bengaluru dominated the match in the first-half for sure. My team was working well in the opening minutes of the second period, I felt. But we conceded a goal and had some problems. However, I don’t think Bengaluru had many clear chances. We had some chances and got the penalty. I think the result was just. It was a difficult match against a tough opposition,” he added.
The only big boost for Goa from their domineering win over Chennaiyin was the availability of Ahmed Jahouh. Apart from that, Lobera was still missing Boumous and Bedia in the attacking third, which saw the likes of Brandon Fernandes falling at the centre and Coro falling back. However, the manager refused to resort to injuries.
“The big problem for us was we couldn’t keep possession of the ball. We had to play in our own half. It’s true, I am missing some players and as a coach, you want your full squad to be available to you. It’s not because the other players aren’t working well.
“It’s because we had two matches within a short period of time and some of the players were tired. Obviously, Edu and Hugo are very good players for us. But I am very proud of the players who played today,” he added.
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