ISL 2021-22: We were very casual in our defense – FC Goa’s Derrick Pereira

FC Goa head coach Derrick Pereira admitted that his team was very casual while defending against SC East Bengal in the 65th match of the Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 season at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Wednesday. SC East Bengal won their maiden match of the season as they won by 2-1 after a brace from Naorem Mahesh Singh.

Meanwhile, the Gaurs made two defensive errors and SC East Bengal was able to capitalize on both of them.

Derrick Pereira gave credit to the opposition for defending well against them. He said in the post-match press conference, “We could not break their defense down, especially when we were chasing the game. We gave two soft goals, especially after equalizing. When we got the equalizer we definitely should have gone back. But we made another blunder at the back and conceded the goal and then they were defending deep in their half. We tried our best which was not good enough for us to get the desired result. But all credit goes to them for defending well against us”.

In fact, FC Goa dominated the possession with 65% and took a total of four shots on target. On the other hand, SC East Bengal was able to convert both of their attempts on target.

He added, “I think we were dominant throughout the match. We hardly gave them any chances at the back. Except for those two soft goals. Other than that, I think we were in control of the game. I think we should have kept our composure in front of the goal. We hurried in because our mentality is to win matches”.

Pereira admitted that they were casual in their defensive approach and it led to their downfall in the game.

FC Goa gaffer added, “​​We were very casual at the back both the times and I think that has been an issue throughout the season, we concede soft goals and then we start chasing matches that hampered our position in the points table”.

When asked about what positives the team can draw from the loss, Pereira concluded, “I have to sit back and think and look for the next match. The positives were, as usual, possession-wise we kept the ball. We need to make some changes in the team. We need to show more character on the pitch and get back to winning ways”.

FC Goa will next face Bengaluru FC at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Sunday.