New Delhi: Hosts FC Goa will be banking on the confidence gained from beating Bengaluru FC to roll over a winless Kerala Blasters in an Indian Super League Season Four match in Fatorda on Saturday. Goa pipped Bengaluru 4-3 in a thriller in their last match and Spanish coach Sergio Lobera said they would not change their style of play.
“We will look at ourselves and what we can do more than what the other team can do,” he said on Friday. Goa have been impressive in attack, passing the ball well, taking sudden shots and converted a fair share of chances received. Blasters are dangerous on the counter and will not be shy of soaking up the pressure before breaking swiftly.
Blasters coach Rene Muelensteen is happy with his side’s progress in three consecutive drawn home matches. The Goa clash is their first away match of the tournament. “We have progressed over the last three games and this is another game for us to test where we stand. It’s different because we haven’t played an away game yet. But more than anything, we focus on progressing,” he said. He also said that he has had a close look on the way Goa play and praised their “specific style of play” which could hurt other sides.
“We’re well aware of their strengths and we will have to deal with it and we are prepared for it,” the Dutchman added. He hinted of continuing with star Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov in midfield, saying it was imperative of a player of his quality get as much of the ball as possible. Muelensteen also said that former Manchester United defender Wes Brown had travelled with the squad to Goa. Both teams have won thrice each in their six head-to-head encounters so far.
