FC Goa are all set to take on ATK FC in the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Saturday. The two-time finalists will face an uphill task against a strong ATK side and will have to be wary of their leaky defence, especially against the likes of Roy Krishna and David Williams.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, head coach Sergio Lobera gave his views on the upcoming game against ATK, “I think it is a big challenge for us because we are playing against a very good team. I think they have made a lot of effort to become a good team. Honestly, I think ATK is my favourite to win the league because they have players with experience and a very good coach. Their performance has been very good.”

“The most important thing is to win the season, and the ATK match is very important for that. They are a very good team. We are playing at home, so it is a very good opportunity for us to go to the top of the table. It is not like other matches. It’s a very crucial match,” he added.

When asked how he felt about this team’s performance till date, the Spaniard looked content and shared, “I am very happy because for the first time I have my full squad. I am very happy with the performance of my team till now. Every match has been difficult for us and I am very happy with our position on the table. If we win on Saturday, then we can go to the top of the table, but then, we face a very good team. ATK’s performance has been amazing!”

ATK have scored the most number of goals in the ongoing season and when asked how his team was gearing up against such an attacking side, the gaffer said, “We play attacking football as well and it will be difficult to finish the match goalless because both teams have good attacking players. The more important thing will be to get one goal more than the opponents. It’s important to get clean sheets, but then it’s not important if we win 5-4. I am happy with my squad and it will be difficult for me to choose a starting 11 as a coach.”

Mourtada Fall, who was suspended for the last game against Hyderabad FC, was present alongside Lobera and gave his views on the task at hand, “We need to be ready for any situation. We have worked together with the coach and the Indian players. I think the league is quite long. Even if we lose, we have time to come back. The main job is to defend the goal and do your best. In this game we need to be better because they have good strikers. We need to play harder and keep our concentration intact.”

Read the Match Preview here.