ISL 2021-22: We created more chances, we defended well – FC Goa assistant coach Clifford Miranda

FC Goa assistant coach Clifford Miranda was disappointed after his team lost the 103rd match of the ongoing Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Saturday against defending champions Mumbai City by 2-0. Clifford Miranda said that the team created more chances than the opposition and also defended well but didn’t have the rub of the green on their side.

In fact, the Gaurs dominated the possession by 61% and they also took three shots on target. In fact, FC Goa took a total of nine shots off target but they were kept at bay by the Islanders.

Miranda feels it has been the same story for FC Goa as they have managed only four wins out of the 19 games they have played.

Clifford Miranda said in the post-match press conference, “We have a squad and that’s why we have a squad. When someone is not there, there is someone who steps up. And I think whoever came in today, it was a fantastic performance by the team, both individually as well as collectively. We created more chances, we defended well, we were good in positional play in attack, we were first to second balls, but this is just the story of our season. We get punished for mistakes that we make”.

In fact, FC Goa had an opportunity to take a lead in the 18th minute after Mohammad Nawaz conceded the penalty for Mumbai City FC. However, Airam Cabera squandered the chance to put his team in front as Nawaz made a fine save.

Cabera said in the post-match press conference, “It’s always nice to take the lead whether it’s a penalty or from open play. I never blame the players. We tried and the goalkeeper made a save. If we take an early lead, it helps the team but then the penalty can go either way. I felt we created enough chances apart from the penalty to take the lead and win this game”.

Speaking about the positives, Clifford said, “The team. The entire team, their performance. For the outside world, we had nothing to play for but if you see the players the way they played, the way we performed from the first minute to the last, we worked hard for each other and the team. And you can see the feeling when we lost, we were disappointed because after a wonderful and spirited performance with and without the ball, we went away with nothing”.

FC Goa will play their last match of the season against Kerala Blasters on 6th March at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim.