ISL 2021-22: We are much better side than what the table shows – FC Goa’s Derrick Pereira

FC Goa head coach Derrick Pereira reckons his team is a much better side than what the table reflects in the ongoing Hero Indian Super League. The Gaurs lost their 18th match of the season against Hyderabad FC by 3-2 at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim in the 95th match of the tournament on Saturday.

With this loss, FC Goa has slipped to the ninth position in the points table. The Gaurs have managed only four wins so far and they have 18 points under their belt. Thus, they are knocked out of the semifinal race.

In fact, FC Goa dominated the possession with 57% whereas they took seven shots on target but they could only convert two of their attempts against the table-toppers.

Derrick Pereira feels his team hasn’t had the rub of the green on their side in the ongoing season and things haven’t gone their way on the pitch.

Pereira said in the post-match press conference, “Absolutely, I believe that we could perform. We believe in ourselves. Like I keep saying this again and again that we are a much better side than what the table shows. But somehow luck, decisions by people on the pitch and even our decisions are not going our way. I’m not complaining, it’s football. Yes, we could still do better. We always go with an intent to do well in the match and somehow we end up either losing or drawing the match”.

Speaking about the positives of the game, Pereira feels that his team was able to put together much effort than their last game.

He added, “The efforts put in by the players. It was a much better performance than the last match. Our team put in a lot of effort, and they combined well as a team. We had our chances, but we couldn’t convert them. In the remaining two matches we want to end well”.

When asked about Jorge Oritz’s future at the club, Pereira said, “We will be discussing our future once we finish this league and then only we’ll decide what to do. The management will work on it”.

FC Goa will next face defending champions Mumbai City FC at the same venue of Athletic Stadium on Friday.