Making their fourth Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) semi-final appearance, FC Goa will look to go all the way this time around and clinch the title this time around. However, to get their shot at the title, the Gaurs will need to first overcome Mumbai City FC in a two-legged semi-final encounter. The first leg sees Sergio Lobera's men travel to the Mumbai Football Arena for Saturday's clash against the Islanders.

Before the match, indiansuperleague.com caught up with FC Goa captain Mandar Rao Dessai for an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts.

How has the defence improved this season?

Last season, we conceded a lot of goals. It affected the team and we have learnt a lot of things defensively during the pre-season. At the start of the season, we tried to improve ourselves but we conceded some goals. But after some time, with each and every match we were getting better. We have been learning from each and every match and that has helped us for the upcoming matches.

FC Goa have the most number of goals and clean sheets. Thoughts on that?

It is important to keep a clean sheet. We have been scoring a lot of goals but we also were conceding. But now in this season, we have scored and kept clean sheets as well. This season we have kept a lot of clean sheets and that has been good for the team. It helps and motivates us ahead of the semi-finals.

How do you think the encounter against Mumbai City FC will be?

The league matches are completely different from the semi-finals. We are not taking anything lightly. It’s a completely new match for us and for them also. We will try and give our best. We will play in our style like we usually do. Let’s see how the result goes.

Is there any particular player from Mumbai City FC you consider a direct threat?

Not anyone in particular, but I think, some foreign players are really good. The striker who has been scoring for them and even the midfielders, but we too have a strong team. Our foreigners make a lot of difference and that has helped us to win matches. It has helped us before as well and I am sure it will help us again.

FC Goa have been a consistent force in Hero ISL. Do you think this time they can win the title?

We have been good since the last four seasons. This season too, we have performed well and we are in the final four. Out of the five seasons, we have been in the semi-finals four times and I think that is a good result. But then, winning the trophy is also important. This time, we have to make it to the final again. We have made it once before and we missed out on winning the trophy. This time we will try to be calm and be patient. We need to overcome the first hurdle that is the semi-finals and then look for the final.

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