Panaji: FC Goa forward Iker Guarrotxena has been left in no doubt that his team will turn things around in the last six group games of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Goa (20 points) are sixth at the moment, occupying the last playoff spot. But with Bengaluru FC (19) and Chennaiyin (17) not too far behind, the former League Shield winners are certain to face some nervy moments till the end.
Goa are now without a win in their last four games. While they lost two against higher-ranked Hyderabad FC and ATK Mohun Bagan, the two draws against bottom-placed NorthEast United and Jamshedpur could hurt.
Guarrotxena, though, isn’t pressing the panic button and knows the team is capable enough of turning it around.
“Everyone wants to win more games, but we have what we deserve,” Guarrotxena told TOI during the pre-match media interaction on Saturday. “I think the team has big trust on what we are doing. We don’t need to change many things. Just a few details. The team is working hard and most importantly, we have the trust. We know it will be tough until the end of the season.”
In the last game, Goa dropped points against bottom-placed NorthEast United who had, until then, lost 12 of their 13 matches. The dropped points would have been disappointing, but, Guarrotxena said, the team is now looking ahead.
“We had two options, to stay in the bad mood, to be angry and to complain or to be in the good mood. I think the team chose the good mood, to stay positive and look forward to the games we have ahead.
“We have worked incredibly well this week. I think we are already well prepared for the upcoming game against Kerala Blasters FC (on Sunday). 100% guarantee that we will make a good game, I don't have any doubt,” said Guarrotxena.
At home, Goa have won four of their six matches so far, all convincingly.
The wins against Jamshedpur (3-0), ATK Mohun Bagan (3-0) and Odisha FC (3-0) brought plenty of cheers, while there have been times when the team has been found wanting, like the loss against Bengaluru at home or Kerala Blasters away.
Guarrotxena, leading goal-scorer at Goa this season, agreed the form has been fluctuating and called the team to quickly rediscover the form that gave them convincing victories, particularly at home.
“I think we saw a very good FC Goa side on some days and that is the FC Goa we want to be because we know we can do it because we did it before. It's true that we lost or drew some games that we expected to win, but it’s actually not easy to win in this league.
“Everyone has good players, everyone has a good playing style, so I think it wasn’t easy to win all the matches from the beginning. I think we have to find again the good level we saw a few games before, and this is the level we have to show. It’s true that we didn't have this level during the whole season. But as I said, there are still six games left. Will see at the end of the season,” he said.