Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory was upset with his side’s 1-2 defeat to FC Goa in the final of the Super Cup (India’s premier knockout competition).
FC Goa clinched its first silverware by beating Chennaiyin FC 2-1 in the Super Cup final on Saturday
Bhubaneswar:
“My team gave everything. We are disappointed that we didn’t manage to win. In the first half, we played well and had good opportunities to score. But we didn’t take them. It is our fourth game in 10 days. I think it was pretty evident in the last 15 minutes or so that we had some really tired bodies on the field,” said Gregory during the post-match press conference.
The Englishman appreciated opposite number Sergio Lobero and his boys who finally landed a trophy in their cabinet. “Congratulations to Goa. It is a team that just missed out on the Indian Super League, but it managed to get itself a trophy. Sergio is not only a good coach but also a good human being as well. We offer our congratulations to him, his staff and his players,” he added.
Spaniard Lobera explained how FC Goa deserved to win the title after such a successful domestic season. “We could have won two trophies. But we won the admiration of all the people in India and that is really big. I think we were tactically better (in the final). We could and should have scored the third goal. Not doing that made it a little tough for us in the end,” he said.
Goa went down to Bengaluru FC in the ISL summit clash and it was in no mood to go home without the Super Cup title. “This is all because of our players. They have been great. If you look back, the history suggests we deserved a trophy for a long time now,” added Lobera.
Ferran Corominas echoed his manager’s claims and stated, “I’m feeling really emotional right now. Behind this day is a lot of hard work from everyone at the club and our families. I am feeling like I am about to cry. Playing with quality players like Edu Bedia makes my job easier. But at the end of the day, it is the team whose performance needs to be lauded.”