FC Goa will hope to end the year on a high when they entertain high-flyers NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Friday. The Gaurs have struggled of late, picking up just one point from their last three matches. A victory against the Highlanders can bring the confidence back to the squad as we move into the business end of the season.

FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera was present at the pre-match press conference to share his thoughts on the crucial tie. The Spaniard began by addressing questions raised on the reasons behind his side’s recent slump in form. "Fundamentally we have not been scoring goals. Scoring is what has been making us strong all this time. We need to learn from our mistakes and improve on what we did the last game," he said.

In the reverse fixture earlier this season, both sides shared the spoils after an entertaining encounter which ended 2-2. Lobera predicted another tough match against the Highlanders and said, "We are in a league where not a single game is easy. As a coach, one needs to evaluate the results. But ultimately when you win, the whole world is happy. As a coach, regardless of whether you win, lose or draw, you have to analyse the game."

Goa have struggled defensively this season, letting in 16 goals in 10 matches. Asked if he will be making additions to his squad in January to strengthen his backline, Lobera replied, "I think we have made a lot more mistakes in front of goal. For example, in the last game, we had quite a few chances, but we did not make the most of them. These errors are not seen in such a bad light as the errors made by the defence. What worries me more is that we have only scored once in the past three games, rather than the number of goals we have conceded at the back."

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