FC Goa failed to pick up their third consecutive win as they went down fighting 4-3 against Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Sunday in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18. A brace from Ferran Corominas and a goal from Manuel Lanzarote were not enough to gift the Gaurs maximum points, as they lay defeated in front of the Islanders’ resolute fightback. Seriton Fernandes’ double yellow cards which led to a red, early in the second half, also helped in tilting the result in the visitor’s favour.

The host’s head coach Sergio Lobera attended the post-match press conference to field questions from the media. He began by sharing how the red card affected their game and which elements from the encounter he was discontent with. “I think that (the red card) was a big influence on the game. I think if all the players were in the game, things would have changed,” he stated. “Just as the second half began, we had an opportunity where Mandar was in a one-on-one situation. Two minutes later, we went down to 10 men. It does hurt us a lot, but I think we showed great composure in coming back with the equaliser and making it 3-3. We reached a point when it was 3-3 with 12 minutes remaining on the clock and we were down to 10 men. But even with 10 players, we wanted to win the game. However, we shouldn’t have left spaces behind, which we did. The only thing I am unhappy about is the goal which we couldn’t manage to score in the first half against a team who only came here to defend. We shouldn’t have let them score those goals easily. Also, I am unhappy with the fourth goal, which I think we conceded due to a lack of composure within ourselves.

Goa’s attack, when compared to their defence, is a completely contrasting story. They may have the highest number of goals scored this season to their name (27), but has failed to keep a single clean sheet and speaking on this, the Spaniard said, “When you score three goals at home and end up losing 4-3, it is difficult. Apparently it was a straightforward game, but in reality, it was different from the others, a strange one. The players, the penalty and then there were moments in the game which affected the final result. But obviously, there are aspects in which we need to improve. But when you score three goals at home, it gets a bit difficult to digest that you didn’t win the game.”

Before leaving, the 41-year-old also highlighted how his team is preparing for the road ahead. “Against Mumbai, we lost two games but you know, football is sometimes unjust. We lost two games which we didn’t deserve to. Also, our upcoming game is against a team (NorthEast United FC) we lost away from home to, and so we need to focus on the mistakes we made there and ensure that we do not repeat them. So we will come back at home and try for the three points,” he concluded.