FC Goa head coach Derrick Pereira stated that he is expecting his players to convert chances that his team have been creating in the last few matches in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).

FC Goa are placed on the edge of a knife with each match posing strenuous questions on their chances to reach the top-four as they are positioned eighth in the league table with 13 points.

The game against SC East Bengal who are the bottom club in the Hero ISL thus is a must-win for the Gaurs.

Pereira alongside Anwar Ali spoke to the media ahead of the match against SC East Bengal in the pre-match press conference.

Here are the excerpts from the press conference:

SC East Bengal have been playing well, will it be tough to break them?

Pereira: Yes, defensively in the last three matches, we have seen them play, they have been fighting to defend and instead of focusing more on them, we will look at the details where we can get better. At the same time, we want to keep a balance to counter their attack and we have to go with a plan and get the best result.

How has your change in tactics translated into the pitch and team’s performance?

Pereira: I have not made a change in formation, we are continuing to play in the 3-4-3 formation. I didn’t want to change too much in structuring in defence and the players have responded well. As a team, we need to improve in future matches.

With matches postponed, do you think the league should be suspended or halted for the time being?

Pereira: It is not my call, it is a health issue and everybody has to take care of people involved in this organisation including players, coaching staff among others. That is very important and if it is safe to play, we should carry on. If not, then people should take that decision because health is important.

Goa has dominated in the previous matches, especially in the second half, are you disappointed with the lack of finishing abilities?

Pereira: I wouldn’t use the word disappointed, but yes, the results, what we are expecting after putting up good performances and efforts, yes we need to score those chances. We should have finished those and gotten the three points. I am happy how the team has stuck together and put up good performances.

Here are the excerpts from Anwar’s press conference:

How does it feel to play in the top tier of Indian Football?

Anwar: First of all, I am happy to be a part of FC Goa. I waited for a long time to play my debut match in the ISL. My debut went well and I am looking forward to playing more football.

Breaking into the national team, is that something on your mind?

Anwar: For the last 2.5 years, I was waiting for my debut and now I did well. I made some silly mistakes in the last couple of matches but I am looking forward to maintaining a clean sheet as well which is more important in football. When it comes to the national team, it all depends on my performance whether I will get a chance or not.