Having completed his two weeks in isolation, FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando is eager to finally link up with his squad. In an interview with fcgoa.in, the Spaniard mentions how he’s been monitoring his team closely while in quarantine and expressed his delight with the co-ordination between his players and the quarantined coaching staff as they prepare for Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21.

“I have been designing tasks on the ground, managing the coaching staff and explaining how we will be working from Monday (when the quarantine period ends). I have to say I am very proud of everyone’s willingness to help both Javi (Gonzalez) and me,” Ferrando said to fcgoa.in.

FC Goa’s domestic contingent have already begun their preparations after seven days of isolation. The foreigners, along with head coach Ferrando will join them on Monday as the Gaurs’ pre-season preparations gathers pace.

While discussing the challenges of coaching his team from the confines of his room, Ferrando said, “It is quite a challenge to have locked yourself up for so long, but fortunately technology has helped us keep in touch and discuss daily work via video calls as if we were one in front of the other or even in a group.”

“I would define this as an unusual time but somehow interesting because it puts you to the test. One (test) is spending 24 hours in the same room, trying to work to your best abilities. However, we are well aware that a lot of work remains to be done. The real work will be done over the next few weeks as we gear up to the start of the season,” he added.

Ferrando also touched on how he’s been watching a lot of Asian football with FC Goa set to compete in the AFC Champions League this season. “I have been watching loads of Asian football matches, not just Indian football but also teams from Iran, Qatar, and other west Asian countries – all teams we can face over the next AFC Champions League,” he said.

Meanwhile, Spanish winger Jorge Ortiz, who joins the Gaurs after a stint with Atletico Baleares, is looking forward to returning to the pitch. “Right now, I have more desire to train than ever, to go to the football field and enjoy myself. In these moments or periods, you start realising how important many things are that you take for granted on a daily basis, simply because you can always do them,” he shared.

“In the beginning, I was really counting days, because I was looking forward to the time I could get out and play football. But as time passed by, I started understanding the chance that had presented itself. I have started adjusting to the situation now. I was able to create a routine for myself so that I was in the best shape possible by the time I got out,” Ortiz added.