Carlos Pena: We respect Chennaiyin FC as opponents, but we don’t fear them

Mumbai/Goa, October 20, 2022: Fuelled by the win in their season opener against East Bengal FC, FC Goa go into their second match of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23 season against Chennaiyin FC on Friday with a lot of hope. 

Currently at sixth place on the standings with three points, another win will take the Gaurs to the top of the table. With no team having played more than two matches, it may not seem like much at this point - but a good head start will surely do Carlos Pena and his boys a world of good in the league which is bound to get more competitive with each matchweek.

Chennaiyin FC, meanwhile, have begun the campaign on a positive note as well, having won their first assignment against ATK Mohun Bagan before holding Bengaluru FC to a draw in their own backyard. As they play yet another home match against FC Goa on Friday, they will surely hope that the fans’ support will give them the additional boost to extend their unbeaten run.

The Gaffer speaks
Ahead of the clash, FC Goa head coach Carlos Pena expressed confidence in the team’s philosophy and mentality.

“Our idea is going to be the same, no matter who we are facing. The mentality should not change. Of course, you need to pay attention to certain aspects of our opponents’ game. We’ll be doing the same against Chennaiyin as well, where we analyse how they play and adapt accordingly,” he explained.

“Our attitude against East Bengal is the biggest takeaway for me from that match. We were brave, went for the win right from kick-off and fought hard till the final whistle. The plan is the same once again - because we want the three points.

“Chennaiyin FC are a good team. They’re confident and dynamic, as evident from their performances and results against ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC. We respect them as opponents, but at the same time, we don’t fear them,” he further added.
The Task Ahead
Although FC Goa had to wait till the final minute to clinch the win against East Bengal in their campaign opener, the team’s overall performance showed plenty of positives.

Brandon Fernandes’ seventh-minute strike, and Edu Bedia’s injury-time goal perfectly echoed Pena’s intentions of going for the win right from kick-off and fighting till the final whistle. More of the same attitude and fighting spirit will surely help the Gaurs as they seek their second victory of the season, this time against Chennaiyin FC.

Known for their distinct style of play that relies on sitting back and absorbing pressure, Chennaiyin FC pulled off a win against ATK Mohun Bagan in their own backyard before holding Bengaluru FC to a draw at home. Their defence seems to have improved with the addition of Fallou Diagne, while the likes of Anirudh Thapa, Julius Duker and Jiteshwor Singh add strength to their midfield.

Petar Sliskovic, Kwame Karikari and Rahim Ali are among the forwards who could also create an impact for the Marina Machans.

FC Goa’s playing style, which involves keeping the ball and building up from the back, is likely to help them create goal-scoring chances at will. At the same time, they will hope to be more clinical in attack and defence to keep the Marina Machans at bay.