FC Goa head coach Derrick Pereira wants his players to show more character after defeat against SC East Bengal

FC Goa were handed a rude awakening as they were defeated by SC East Bengal in their latest Indian Super League clash on Wednesday night at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim.

A Naorem Mahesh Singh first-half brace was enough for the Red and Golds to sink the Gaurs as Alberto Noguera’s tight angle goal only remained as a mere consolation. Head coach Derick Pereira was visibly disappointed by his team’s performance on the day as this was SC East Bengal’s first win of this ISL season.

“We couldn’t break their defence down, especially when we were chasing the game. We gave two soft goals, especially after the equalizer we should’ve been stronger at the back. But, we made another blunder and conceded the goal,” said Derrick Pereira.

“We tried our best, but it wasn’t good enough to get the desired result. All credit goes to them for defending well against us,” the Indian tactician continued.

Despite the defeat, Pereira was firm with his belief that the Gaurs dominated the game and apart from the two goals that they conceded they did not do much wrong. He also highlighted how more calmness in finishing off chances in front of goal would have been crucial in this game. Something that they could not accomplish despite getting a handful of chances.

“I think we were dominant in the game, we hardly gave them chances. Other than those two soft goals, we were in control of the game. We should’ve kept our composure in front of the goal. Our team hurried in as our mentality is to win matches, that helped them as they were defending deep,” said Derrick Pereira.

This defeat was a big blow to FC Goa’s hopes of reaching the playoffs this season. The Gaurs remain in ninth spot with 13 points as they are four points away from the top four spot after playing a match more than them.

Pereira highlighted how FC Goa need to show more character in the upcoming games to get the desired results. “I’ve to sit back, think and look for the next game. The positives are, as usual, we kept the ball. But, we need to make some changes going forward. We need to show character on the pitch and get back to our winning ways,” concluded Pereira.