The last Saturday before Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18’s Christmas break, will pitch a rampant FC Goa against FC Pune City at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. The Gaurs sit firmly at the top of the points table with 12 points after winning four of their five matches this season.

Present at the pre-match press conference was Goa’s head coach Sergio Lobera, who was asked about the fervour in the Goa camp since the team have scored 18 goals in only five matches this season. “Tomorrow’s game will be different to every other game. Every game is different. Tomorrow, we will play against a team where we don’t know the circumstances yet. The reason we score so many goals is that we are an offensive team. Attacking is our strongest suit, so we try to stick to that as much as possible.”

He continued, “We are more than mindful of the fact that the small details can make a difference to the team. It is something I have been reminding the guys right from the very first day. In the last game we played against Delhi, I don’t think the result exactly reflected how it was played out on the pitch. I think it was a game where both teams were well matched. Tomorrow we will play against an opponent who have some of the finest players in the league, so it will be a hard game for us, but something we look forward to.”

Even though Goa have been prolific in front of goal, they have failed to keep a clean sheet this season, which is sure to worry the Spaniard. “It is important for us to get the defensive balance right. Obviously, we are working hard towards it. When working in the field, the team’s objective is to get the defensive balance right. Keeping that in mind, we have to ensure that we keep doing what we are doing as much as possible,” he opined.

The Gaurs’ Spanish players have made a splash this season and are currently the most formidable attacking unit in the league. However, the 40-year old believes that the success of his team relies on overall teamwork. “The team has to work as a collective for it to function well. There are only three Spanish players who are playing every game for us, but there are six Indians. I have said this before on many occasions, that the Indian players are at a very high level. I am very pleased with the ones we have put in so far, and they are putting in a collective effort, which is what counts,” he explained.

Before leaving, Lobera also stressed on sticking to a style of play which suits his team and at the same time, reaps dividends. “We have to play football that makes us strong. With the kind of players we have, and the profiles they represent, we need to play attacking football that allows us to capitalise on their strengths and makes them stronger as individuals, and as a team too. What we want to do is to play football which is not only attractive to the fans, but also to everyone who is watching on television. My aim is for fans to come to the stadium, and go back home happy, while also winning the three points,” he concluded.