Recently appointed FC Goa head coach Derrick Pereira is looking to organise his thoughts to lead the team towards their goal as they face Odisha FC in match 33 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 at Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco da Gama on Friday.

Pereira replaced Juan Ferrando as the team's new head coach after the Spaniard departed to join ATK Mohun Bagan.

FC Goa are placed in eighth position in the league with seven points in six matches. The club has won two, drawn one and lost three. A win on Friday will lift them right into contention for the top four positions. 

FC Goa drew 1-1 with Hyderabad FC in their last match. They came back from behind to equalise through a clam finish by Airan Cabrera after Devendra Murgaonkar’s shot hit the post and rebounded for Cabrera. FCG had more ball possession and better passing accuracy than Hyderabad FC.

Ahead of FC Goa’s clash with Odisha FC, coach Pereira and captain Edu Bedia addressed the media during the official pre-match press conference.

Here are the excerpts from Pereira’s press conference.

What are your thoughts on tomorrow’s match?

Pereira: We need to focus on our game. I have seen the players working very hard. They’re putting in a lot of effort. I am sure if they keep doing it we will get results in the near future.

You were made in charge of the club when Sergio Lobera left, will it be different this season?

Pereira: It will be. There are a lot of matches to be played. On the previous occasion, we were near the end of the season. But this time around it’s a different feeling. I am eager to get out of quarantine and work with the players. I have chatted with the few senior players virtually. I will see what I want to do. I have a lot of thoughts. I am putting my thoughts into place and trying to see how we can achieve our goal.

How hard was it to take this decision of moving from technical director to head coach?

Pereira: It was surprising and exciting. I was taking care of the FC Goa youth teams. I asked them for a day to decide but inside it was a yes. But I needed time to talk to my family and see what I can bring to table.

What will be your immediate area of focus?

Pereira: I have held discussions with Clifford. I have made my thoughts clear to him. At the moment, we don’t want to make too many changes. We are working on organising our defence and attack.

Here are the excerpts from Bedia’s press conference.

How do you rate Odisha FC?

Bedia: Odisha FC has a very good team. They changed a lot from last year. We have to focus on our style. We have to be competitive and increase the intensity. I believe we have one of the best teams in the league.

How much has the exit of Juan Ferrando affected the team?

Bedia: This week was different but it doesn’t change anything about the team. We have the same targets which we set at the start of the season. I was upset about the situation but I forget it now. I know Derrick. He will help us a lot. It’s the start of a new journey for us.

Edu What would you say to the younger players who are new to all this?

Bedia: This is professional football. It’s good for them because they can learn from this. It is a strange decision. But we will try to forget. We can’t wait to start working with Derrick. All the players have been very happy in the last couple of training sessions.