FC Goa play hosts to NorthEast United FC on Wednesday, and will look cement their spot in the sem-finals with a win over the Highlanders.
Smarting from their defeat against Atletico de Kolkata, FC Goa chief coach Zico believes his team will be motivated to prove that their previous match was just a blip, as they face off NorthEast United FC in Round12 match of the Hero Indian Super League in Goa on Wednesday.
FC Goa, who had put seven goals past a hapless Mumbai City FC, were routed 4-0 by Atletico de Kolkata, as they looked helplessly to see ATK move to the top of the standings. Zico, though, didna t seem to give much importance to their result as he looks to prepare his boys for the match against the Highlanders.
a Our (big) victory against Mumbai City did not affect us as you see that we lost the next game against Kolkata. The loss against Kolkata will soon be forgotten. We must stay focused and carry on, although I must mention that the loss against Kolkata was largely due to their merit,a Zico said at the pre-match media briefing.
FC Goa may have defeated NorthEast United 3-1 in Guwahati, but Zico isna t going to relax after their defeat in the hands off the defending champions, as he insited on wining all his remaining games to ease the pressure on them.
a Every game is a must win now. All games are important.a
The Guars have been ravaged with injuries throughout the season and are likely to miss the services of Gregory Arnolin, Luciano Sabroza and Rafael Coelho for their match against NorthEast United.
Farias: Three points will be excellent .
After a poor start to the season, NorthEast United have managed to manage some sort of comeback to remain in contention for a spot in the semi finals. Manager Cesar Farias, though, looked to disregard their start due to injuries to key players, as they look to brighten their chances for a spot in the playoffs.
a We played well in those three games and there was no reason for us to put our heads down. There were also eight players unavailable because of injuries at that time,a said Farias.
NorthEast United have two tough home fixtures remaining against Delhi Dynamos and FC Pune City, both of whom are still in contention for a spot in the semi-finals and Farias looks to target atleast a point against FC Goa in the away fixture.
a If you look at it with a cool head, a point should be good enough. A point will be good while three points will be excellent,a said Farias.
Image Courtesy: ISL Media
