Mandar Rao Desai (extreme left) in action during FC Goa's match against Kerala Blasters FC.Mandar Rao Desai put in a good performance to help Goa run out 3-0 winners over Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. Desai was replaced by Clifford Miranda in the second half having impressed throughout the game with his attacking play from midfield. He even had a good opportunity to get open his goalscoring account in the ISL, but his effort was saved by David James. The 22-year old spoke about his team’s performance in an exclusive post-match interview with indiansuperleague.com. The Goan also praised his opponent Sandesh Jhingan and the fans that cheered him on.That was a great win, how do you feel?It’s been really great! We really needed this win to be on the safer side and our team played really well, so we’re really happy.What did you think of your own performance today?I tried my best but the defender on my side, Sandesh Jhingan played really well. I still had a chance but the goalkeeper made a really good save.What are your thoughts on Miroslav Slepička?He’s a really good striker! He works really hard and he always wants to score goals. Today, he converted his chances.Goa are in a good run of form. What is Zico’s mood like?He’s always encouraging us and helping us improve where we are weak. We are really working hard to improve on those things. It’s been really great working with Zico.Bruno Pinheiro and Grégory Arnolin played really well in central defence. Another clean sheet for Goa, your thoughts on that?Both of them played really well. Youness (Bengelloun) also, in the games he’s played. They’ve been giving their best in the field so it’s been really great.Does the home crowd make a difference especially for you, being a Goan?Yes it does, because whenever we receive the ball on the flanks they really cheer us giving us encouragement to go forward and really make a difference.Romeo (Fernandes) was excellent today as well. Your thoughts on him?He’s a really good player; he gives his best every time. The second goal was all because of him! It’s really great that he played so well and it’s always better when we give our best.For you as a youth player how is the ISL benefiting you?It’s really great because we are getting a chance to play and to show our talent.
