Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Juan Ferrando expressed disappointment as his team suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.

FC Goa dominated from the very beginning, securing an early lead through Noah Sadoui. The Gaurs added two more goals before halftime, courtesy of Victor Rodriguez and Sadoui. Although Dimitri Petratos scored a spectacular free-kick just before the halftime whistle to pull one back, the Mariners couldn't create additional chances to narrow the deficit in the second half.

Carlos Martinez sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time of the second half, handing the Mariners their second-largest loss in the ISL history and their largest at home. This marks only the second occasion the Mariners have conceded four or more goals in a single game in the competition.

Ferrando is disappointed with the loss but also understands the reasons behind this performance. He believes they need to plan accordingly, taking into account the absence of certain players.

“We are upset of course. The only explanation for the players is they are trying to do their best,” Ferrando stated in the post-match press conference.

“In this situation, if you have time you can prepare. Looking forward (to the upcoming matches). We need to prepare the lineup and prepare the plan again,” he added.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant recorded just four touches in the opposition’s box tonight, marking their lowest tally ever in any ISL game.

However, Ferrando believes that the strategy was not what cost them the game. He reiterated the need to stand by his players during this turbulent period.

“The strategy is not the problem. We conceded one penalty very early,” he said.

“When you concede a penalty this early it is very difficult because six players are playing for the first time in different situations with a lot of pressure,” he added.

“At this stage, the most important thing for me is to support the players, because it is very difficult for them,” Ferrando continued.

Forwards Armando Sadiku and Jason Cummings of Mohun Bagan Super Giant faced difficulties in today’s game, and Ferrando did not shy away from admitting it. He also acknowledged the challenges in executing their normal buildup game.

“Today was very difficult for us in the process of build-up and positional attack,” he said.

"Jason (Cummings) and Armando (Sadiku) were trying hard in the game but the most important thing for them was to receive balls in the box, but it was difficult to do so (today), he added.

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Mohun Bagan Super GiantFC Goa2023-2024