FC Goa welcome NorthEast United FC to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Wednesday for their second clash against the Highlanders in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20. While Goa are comfortably placed in the top four, NorthEast have faded away a little of late after a strong start to their campaign.

At the pre-match press conference, Goa head coach Sergio Lobera spoke about his ambitions for the season, “For me, the main aim is to win the league. In my first season here, Goa were 10 points below Bengaluru and in the second season, we lost the trophy to them in the final minutes. Now, we are two points above them and that is the important thing for me. The last match, we lost against Bengaluru but it was maybe one of the best matches for FC Goa. We lost the match because of their set-pieces. I am very proud of how my players played in the last match.”

“I think (the Hero ISL) is not easy. As I said before, this is one of the most difficult seasons because all the teams are top teams. All teams have signed new players and have squads strong enough to win the league. We had our problems but now, we are in a very good situation. We beat ATK at home and at this moment, I think we are in a good position. I think we have to look towards the future now. My goal in this club is not only to win the matches but also to win the title. It’s very important to have very good players and I have some very good players. This club loves its football. I hope this season, we can win another trophy.” he added.

Speaking about the upcoming challenge, the 42-year-old noted, “The game against NorthEast will be a very difficult match for us. I think NorthEast are a very good team and the past is not important for me. What is more important for me is what happens on the ground. We will give our 100%... I think every match is different and every match needs something else, for example, NorthEast play a different style than the other teams. Every match is like a test and we might see the side change perhaps.”

The Spaniard was joined at the press briefing by midfielder Hugo Boumous, who shared, “I don't think we could have asked more of ourselves in the Bengaluru match. Now, we have to get ready for the next match. We have to give our 100% to get the three points. I’m trying to do my best with the team on the pitch”

Read the Match Preview here.