Indian Super League (ISL) workforce FC Goa’s ahead Devendra Murgaokar mentioned on Tuesday that it has been an incredible alternative to play in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Group Stage, despite the fact that he had come out solely in its place in the two video games against Al-Rayyan and Al Wahda.
“I feel good. It was a good experience playing some real big games. These are the kind of games a footballer looks forward to,” mentioned Murgaokar forward of the conflict against powerhouse, Iran’s Persepolis FC in a while Tuesday.
FC Goa, who’re the first workforce from India to play in the prestigious match, gave a great account of themselves in each the ACL Group E matches, holding the two prime Gulf groups to goalless attracts.
On whether or not he was shocked that his workforce was ready to snatch a degree against two very powerful opponents, Murgaokar mentioned, “Yes and no. We had to grow into the situations very quickly. We know that any mistake is going to be punished. So, our focus has really shown. Knowing the importance of playing as a team, every day we are pushing ourselves to be better.”
Currently, FC Goa are positioned second in Group E with two factors from two attracts and are solely behind Persepolis FC, who’ve six factors from two outings.
However, Murgaokar mentioned there was nonetheless room for enchancment. “I think we can do a lot better in the attacking aspect. We haven’t scored a goal yet but we are getting closer. I hope that it comes very soon.”
Brandon Fernandes, who nearly scored against Al Wahda as one among his efforts hit the submit, too is proud of FC Goa’s exhibiting in the prime competitors.
“It’s definitely a great feeling. It’s a big achievement for us to get these two points. Nobody expected us to give such a tough fight but we kept pushing and working hard and we will continue to push ourselves in the upcoming matches,” he mentioned.
The midfielder additionally believes head coach Juan Ferrando’s formulation and elegance of play is working for the workforce.
“This has been the style of FC Goa all along and the priority has been to maintain ball possession. The head coach has been guiding us through various aspects, especially in transitions and controlling the spaces, and the team is following it all very well,” he mentioned.
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