FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando stated his players are not under any pressure about scoring goals in the upcoming Hero ISL season after the departures of Igor Angulo and Ishan Pandita.

Angulo and Pandita made big contributions during Goa's run to the top-four last season, scoring 18 of their 33 goals. While Pandita signed for Jamshedpur FC earlier this season, Angulo, who racked up the Golden Boot award last season with 14 goals, has joined defending Hero ISL champions Mumbai City FC.

Goa have signed a new striker in Airam Cabrera but Ferrando said the responsibility of scoring goals lies on the entire team and not just one player.

"No (there is no pressure on the players to score goals)," he said in an interview with the Hero Indian Super League.

"I know Igor had an incredible season, and he is in a very good team now. For Ishan, he played a lot in the Champions League, but he has decided to play more minutes in another team, this is the season for him. But there’s no pressure, because we attack and defend with the entire team. I don’t see responsibility for one man, I see this as a responsibility for the entire team."

While Goa missed out on the Hero ISL final to Mumbai City FC on penalties last season, they became the first team to represent India in the AFC Champions League. The Gaurs punched above their weight, registered three draws before finishing third in the group stage.

"(The AFC) Champions League was an amazing moment for the team, for the club, and also for me as a head coach, because it's an amazing experience as I think the Champions League is one of the most important competitions around the world. It made us understand that if we are working like a team, it is possible to be a competitive team in front of the best sides in Asia," Ferrando said.

The Gaurs might be better prepared for the Hero ISL season this time out after starting their pre-season early that succeeded their champion run at the Durand Cup. Ferrando's side enjoyed a perfect run in the competition to secure their maiden title of the competition. Young Indian players such as Muhammed Nemil , Christy Davis and Papuia were among the ones that shone, playing a big part in their title triumph.

"For me the Durand Cup was a good test to check some players like Delton (Colaco), Danstan (Fernandes), Papuia and Christy. And also I’m happy as the foreign players, they decided to come early and work with the team, and in this case, I’m happy as this is good for the team. We practised a lot and prepared different plans, in the end  it’s (a big) positive for me to practise all the time. I am happy for the supporters and the team," he explained.

When asked about his target for the upcoming season, Ferrando said: "Game by game to improve, this is my target. Every game to play good football with a good mentality, to be positive and strong as a team, this is most important for me. I don’t like to talk about the future, because in football, it is not possible to talk about the future."

 The Gaurs will begin their campaign on 22nd November as they face a tough test against Mumbai City. But after last season’s experiences, Ferrando will be looking to guide FC Goa a step ahead.