FC Goa will need to secure a positive result against NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Friday if they want to give themselves a fighting chance of making it to the semis of Hero Indian Super League 2016. The Gaurs currently prop up the league table having managed just seven points from their nine matches, and head into Friday’s contest against the Highlanders without a point from their three home matches so far this year.Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, FC Goa assistant coach Fernando Vannucci maintained that there will be no change in the philosophy of Goa despite their poor run of results this season. “Zico and FC Goa’s philosophy has always been the same. That is attacking. But we have changed players this season, so we have played differently. Last game against Kerala was very tough for us as we had to go in with a depleted side due to injury,” Vannucci said.The Gaurs head into their second meeting against the Highlanders with a squad plagued with injuries and suspensions. Their journeyman striker Julio Cesar has been sidelined due to injury, while both Gregory Arnolin and Richarlyson will miss the game through suspensions after seeing red in Goa’s previous game against Kerala Blasters FC. Fernando explained how he expects his players to cope with the situation.“Whoever takes their position will do their best and make FC Goa proud. Lucio has not been practising for a few days, we need to see his condition. We will be having a meeting between the medical staff and coaching staff, and then we will decide. But for sure, Zico is going to put out the best team that we have and we are going to do well tomorrow,” he said.He added: “It will be a great game tomorrow because both teams need the victory. FC Goa, even with the loss of a few players, are showing more desire to win the game. I would like to invite all FC Goa fans to the stadium and they are going to witness a team that is going to fight till the end.”The Gaurs sit rock-bottom heading into their final five matches of the league stage. When asked how the squad was managing to stay motivated and focussed, Fernando said: “The inspiration is in football, in football we see everything, in the first season we were at the bottom of the table at the start and then we won six games to qualify for the semi-finals. I’m not guaranteeing the same result this time but we are going to do everything in our power.”
