Panaji: There is nothing sweeter than winning your first home game as head coach. Sergio Lobera would have experienced just that eight days ago with FC Goa, that too in a 4-3 thriller against favourites Bengaluru FC.
His counterpart Rene Meulensteen, though, has problems of his own and will find the going tough as Kerala Blasters FC attempt to pocket three points from their first away win in the Indian Super League when they take the pitch at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday.
The two-time finalists are still without a win after three home matches and could only pick up a point from their previous encounter against Mumbai City FC in a 1-1 draw where they lost striker CK Vineeth to a red card. To make matters worse, last season’s top scorer with ATK, Ian Hume, who reunited with his former club this season, has yet to open his account.
FC Goa, however, have been very edgy in defence and allowed Bengaluru to score twice even when they were a man short.
“We have continued to work since the last game. Obviously, there are some aspects we want to improve on in the game and this (defence) is one of the aspects that we have highlighted so it is something that we have been working on,” said Lobera at the pre-match conference on Friday.
Lobera is wary of his opponents especially with former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov in the ranks. Although the Bulgarian has been given a deeper role, his ability to read the game can be decisive.
“Kerala have been very strong defensively but I think they have a lot of players with quality and create a lot of chances. There is very good organization both in attack and defence and we will have to beat our best to ensure we get the points we are looking forward to,” said Lobera.
While Spanish striker Adrian Colunga has started to train with the first team after nursing a calf muscle, FC Goa will be mainly relying on hat-trick hero Ferran Corominas to deliver the goods.
Meulensteen is upbeat despite his team’s winless run. “Disappointed we have not won any. We haven’t played an away game yet and it will be different. We are looking for the first win and hopefully we can get it,” said the Dutchman.
The good news for the visitors is the inclusion of another former Manchester United star Wes Brown who can finally make his debut after recovering from injury. It will boost their already strong defence which includes captain Sandesh Jhingan.
The teams have gone head-to-head on six occasions already and have always produced a result while winning three each.
His counterpart Rene Meulensteen, though, has problems of his own and will find the going tough as Kerala Blasters FC attempt to pocket three points from their first away win in the Indian Super League when they take the pitch at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday.
The two-time finalists are still without a win after three home matches and could only pick up a point from their previous encounter against Mumbai City FC in a 1-1 draw where they lost striker CK Vineeth to a red card. To make matters worse, last season’s top scorer with ATK, Ian Hume, who reunited with his former club this season, has yet to open his account.
FC Goa, however, have been very edgy in defence and allowed Bengaluru to score twice even when they were a man short.
“We have continued to work since the last game. Obviously, there are some aspects we want to improve on in the game and this (defence) is one of the aspects that we have highlighted so it is something that we have been working on,” said Lobera at the pre-match conference on Friday.
Lobera is wary of his opponents especially with former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov in the ranks. Although the Bulgarian has been given a deeper role, his ability to read the game can be decisive.
“Kerala have been very strong defensively but I think they have a lot of players with quality and create a lot of chances. There is very good organization both in attack and defence and we will have to beat our best to ensure we get the points we are looking forward to,” said Lobera.
While Spanish striker Adrian Colunga has started to train with the first team after nursing a calf muscle, FC Goa will be mainly relying on hat-trick hero Ferran Corominas to deliver the goods.
Meulensteen is upbeat despite his team’s winless run. “Disappointed we have not won any. We haven’t played an away game yet and it will be different. We are looking for the first win and hopefully we can get it,” said the Dutchman.
The good news for the visitors is the inclusion of another former Manchester United star Wes Brown who can finally make his debut after recovering from injury. It will boost their already strong defence which includes captain Sandesh Jhingan.
The teams have gone head-to-head on six occasions already and have always produced a result while winning three each.
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