Post match transcript: FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC

Are you satisfied with the team’s performance?

I am very satisfied with how the team performed today. According to me the team played really well. They created many opportunities to score. We had very good control over the game. They ran really very fast and well. They fought a good fight. The other team had opportunities, and they scored two goals. So that’s the thing with football. I think the important thing is that the players fought until the last minute. It was not the result what we wanted, but we carry on and try our best and overcome this loss. Losing a game at home is never good.

According to you what went wrong?

We had two mistakes. First our side was always look towards the defense to maintain our structure and Prabir was out of position hence the goal was scored.

The second goal was scored by Elano. I know Elano from the age of 16 and I told Jan Seda that he will always take the freekick from the goalkeeper’s side. If you ever have to take a freekick you have to always take it over the wall.

What is your message to fans?

Thank you to the fans. Thank you for your support. The team gave them it all they had. But in football sometimes these things happen. We started with a defeat but in football these things happen. We started with a defeat but it was great football.

Thank you for all the support and believing in us. I think they saw that the team has fought till the last minute and this is how football is. I think we played played very good football.

What did you think of Pires’ play?

He was great. He played the whole 90 minutes. No doubt he will help a lot.  He played well in his position. He played with rigour. He has very good balance on the field. He showed great professionalism on the field and he helped the players a lot.

What did you think of the opposing team?

They are an experienced team no doubt. They faked injuries, they made hard tackles. They showed their experience in the way they played. Our team played football. Their team didn’t.

What was the atmosphere like?

It was the first match and fans has turned up in large numbers to see FC goa play. I hope they continue to come and support their team. the first step was good. Hope everyone comes together for football.