ISL 2022-23: We have to keep learning – FC Goa’s Carlos Pena

FC Goa’s head coach Carlos Pena has admitted that his team needs to keep learning in the ongoing Hero Indian Super League 2022-23. The Gaurs suffered their first loss of the season in their previous match after they were beaten by the previous season’s champions Hyderabad 1-0 while playing away from home.

FC Goa, who were not at their best in the previous season, have got off to a decent start, winning two out of the three matches they have played.

Pena was disappointed after they lost their last game against the reigning champions Hyderabad FC but feels his team needs to keep learning.

Sharing his thoughts on the previous match, Carlos Pena said in the pre-match press conference, “I got the team together and told the team that it was alright, as in this sport, we win some and lose some. I expressed to the boys and was proud of their performance, but not happy as we lost the game. This was the way I wanted the team to perform, they were organized and created chances. We tried to get at least a point, but the players showed fight. It is the past now, and we have to learn from the game.”

Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC let go of their former coach Owen Coyle and Greg Stewart, who played a key role in taking the team to League Shield triumph in the last edition. However, Pena feels the Red Miners have been able to retain the core of their team.

Pena said, “They have changed the coach; they have lost some key players, but they have maintained the core of the team. It is a mixture of experience and strong characters in the Jamshedpur FC squad, and they are good on set-pieces which helped them win the shield last season, which is very important. We respect the opposition and will be in our best shape to face them on Thursday.”

Speaking on the impact of the fans in the Hero ISL, the Spaniard said, “Here in India, the matchday is a party and a festival. The fans are eagerly waiting for the matchday with the jerseys on, and I feel it might be so because there are fewer games in the Hero ISL as compared to the European leagues. The main purpose of the fans is to make the home stadium a fortress and to make the opponents feel that it is tough to play here in Goa. The support of the fans is very important.”

Meanwhile, Pena had played his last career match at the Fatorda Stadium and now he will be taking a different role for the club. FC Goa will play at their fortress after a gap of 972 days and the Spaniard feels it is going to be a special feeling.

He concluded, “It is going to be very special for me, and I did not think I would come back so soon with this team. I will try to enjoy the game as much as possible and will expect the same from our fans while they keep cheering for us from the stands. I am very excited for the game on Thursday.”