Chennaiyin wary of attack-minded Goa & Coro
FC Goa will have scores to settle with Chennaiyin FC after being knocked out during the play-offs last season. The semi-final battle was enthralling and more of the same is expected when the teams meet in their second Hero Indian Super League clash at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, on Saturday.
FC Goa were beaten 4-1 on aggregate in the knockout stage by Chennaiyin, who went all the way to win the coveted trophy last season. This heartbreak came after an impressive league season that saw the Gaurs earn third place, scoring a league-high 42 goals. However, Sergio Lobera’s side had also conceded 28 goals, one more than the bottom-placed NorthEast United.
Defence is still Lobera’s biggest concern. A 2-2 draw against NorthEast United in Guwahati showcased the team’s strengths and weaknesses. While the defence shipped two goals, last season’s Golden Boot winner Ferran Corominas notched a brace.
“As a coach, there are some aspects we must work on, defence wise. But we play attacking football and we look forward to playing that,” said Lobera.
Goalkeeping has been an issue for Goa. Lalthuammawia Ralte was roped in for the current season but the coach placed his trust in youngster Mohammed Nawaz. The teenager was responsible for NorthEast’s first goal after he handled the ball outside the box. It remains to be seen if he keeps his place in the side.
The return of midfielder Edu Bedia will be a welcome boost for Goa but they will continue to miss the services of Brandon Fernandes, who remains suspended. Lobera will be mindful of the fact that his team will be taking on a defensively strong outfit in Chennaiyin. “Chennaiyin FC still have three foreigners at the back which is similar to last season. The names might have changed but, I think, Chennaiyin is a strong squad and defensively they will be very solid.”
The defending champions were narrowly beaten by Bengaluru FC in a tight affair in Bengaluru the other night this season and will look to bounce back with a win at home. Coach John Gregory professed how happy he was with the way his team played in Bengaluru but did implore his charges to improve their efficiency in front of goal.
“We took huge positives from that (Bengaluru) game. We dominated the ball. But we need to use it a bit better in the final third. You have to take chances and opportunities that come our way. We need to continue what we are doing and do it better,” he said.
Gregory’s balanced style of play was a difficult puzzle to solve for Lobera’s gung-ho football in four matches between the two teams last season and the Englishman will be hoping that it stays the same. Chennaiyin were beaten only once by FC Goa in four games last season. “Goa, if they get half a chance, they are always likely to score. We have to very aware of Coro who scored twice the other day. We have to ensure we are switched on defensively,” he reasoned.
Chennaiyin FC are expected to soak up the pressure and hit the vulnerable Goan defence on the counter. FC Goa will be hoping to convert their possession-based dominance into early goals. This should make for a fascinating battle.
Also Read: ISL: Mumbai City FC 0-2 Jamshedpur FC – Talking Points
Also Read: FC Pune City hold Delhi Dynamos in a close contest
Also Read: Jamshedpur edge past Mumbai City
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Battle lines drawn as 20 clubs gear up for the National Group Stage of Reliance Foundation Development League 2024
Mumbai, April 11: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024 has reached a pivotal moment as the Regional Qualifiers conclude, paving the way for an intense National Group Stage. This will take…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…