FC Goa head coach Derrick Pereira regards his team as one of the best in the league as they lock horns with Chennaiyin FC in match 86 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco da Gama, Goa on Wednesday.

The Gaurs rank ninth in the points table with 15 points in 15 matches. They are winless in their last five matches and have collected only three points.

Pereira's men drew 1-1 against Odisha FC in their last match. A stoppage time strike from Romario gave them a point to take home. They had 20 shots at goal in the match.

Ahead of FC Goa’s clash with Chennaiyin FC, coach Pereira and goalkeeper Naveen Kumar addressed the media during the official pre-match press conference.

Here are the excerpts from Pereira’s press conference.

FC Goa can still make into the top four mathematically, so how do you look at the current situation?

We have said it before as well, we will take it game by game. We are hoping the results come our way. The situation here has improved. I see a lot of positive feelings in the team. The players and the whole team are working hard. I think for the first time we have everyone available for selection tomorrow.

Considering both the team’s last results, do you think FC Goa will be favourites going into the match?

We have one of the best teams in the league and we got some excellent players. We are working to build this team for the present and for the future. Considering all this, we are still one of the best teams, of course the results don’t show it.

FC Goa has defeated Chennaiyin FC before, does it give you a different feel going into the match?

Each and every match is different. We go into a match to give our best and get the best result. We have learned from our mistakes. Hopefully if we perform the way we did in the first leg we will get a good result.

Chennaiyin FC played two days back while FC Goa played almost nine days back. Do you think it’s an added advantage to you?

It depends on the team, how they are going to approach, what will be their formation and players available. The same thing is with us also. Focus will be on our game. And as far as advantage is concerned, all the teams are prepared for this type of a fixture. Hopefully it will be in our favour tomorrow.

Here are the excerpts from Naveen’s press conference.

How difficult is it to be the goalkeeper of FC Goa given the possessional style of football the club plays?

We are professionals. Sometimes it is difficult but you have to adjust to the game style. I am quite comfortable with this style of football. I like our plan and we have been training for five years.

How’s the competition between you and Dheeraj? Also, how is your relationship off the field?

We are very good friends, like brothers. We have played together in Kerala Blasters FC as well. We are doing our best. Whenever the coach gives us a chance we give our 100%. And we give each other confidence.