ISL 2021-22: Some of our players need to step up in their performance – FC Goa head coach Derrick Pereira after draw against Odisha FC

FC Goa head coach Derrick Pereira reckons some of the club’s need to step up in their performance after the team played a 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Tuesday. In fact, FC Goa was all set to lose the game but it was Alexander Romario Jesuraj’s equalizer in the final minute of the game, which helped the Gaurs share the spoils.

Jonathas Cristian scored the opening goal of the match for Odisha FC as he converted the penalty. However, FC Goa had their chances throughout the game but they could not capitalize on the opportunity.

Pereira said they were relieved to get a point from the game as they equalized in the final minutes. He said in the post-match press conference, “I would say yes, I mean, a point has given us something to look for in the next five matches. It would have been disappointing if we lost this match. We went in with an intent to do well and get the three points, we had some chances to convert, which we couldn’t. And I think the team did their best. But by saying that, I would say, some of our players need to step up a bit and try to give more than what they did today”.

Meanwhile, FC Goa dominated the possession with 60% while they also took seven shots on target but could only convert a single shot. Thus, their conversion hasn’t been the best in the league.

Speaking on the same, Derrick Pereira said, “We are a team where we keep the ball and look to create opportunities, which we did today. I think we did well, going forward. Yes, this has been a weakness in this season, converting those chances. In each and every match, we have created chances but couldn’t convert them. And that has been our downfall this season”.

FC Goa will now return back to the pitch after a long nine-day break. Pereira added that they have been playing well but they are ending on the wrong side of the result.

He added, “We’ll have to go back to the drawing board and see what we can do to get back into our winning ways. That has been the thought in everybody’s mind. We are putting in good performances, but somehow end up either losing or drawing the match. After this break, players will get time to relax their minds and get away from the pressure. And since it’s now it’s out of our hands to qualify for the semi-finals. So we’ll give our best and look to the future”.

FC Goa will next face Chennaiyin FC at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on the 10th of February.