ISL 2019 | Steve Coppell blames officiating after side's humiliating 0-3 defeat to Goa

02/15/2019

It was a bitter pill to swallow for ATK as they were blanked 3-0 by FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium, on Thursday. Head coach Sergio Lobera was pleased that his side still had a fighting chance to end the league phase on top, as they were three points behind table leaders Bengaluru.

The result meant ATK were six points adrift of a top-four spot with only two games in hand. Head coach Steve Coppell was quick to call for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Indian football after both goals scored by Ferran Corominas were found to be dubious on television replays.

"Not at the moment no. It was a tough day for us. I thought the second (goal) was offside. I cannot believe how that was given even from my poor vantage point.” Coppell was quoted as saying to the TV presenters.

"Then, having just seeing the penalty there, I am just thinking, what is going on with the officials? All for VAR. That is the thing I hope that comes forward in the future for Indian football. I think it will be a real bonus to make sure the right decisions are given rather than vague, obscure decisions.” he added.

Later in the press conference, the Briton gave a proper explanation as to how his side were on the back foot from the get go, especially when Jackichand Singh scored for the hosts in the very first minute of the game.

"Pronay (Halder) and Lanza (Manuel Lanzarote) were both injured after our recent game against Pune (FC Pune City). That's why they were not available. We were hoping that they would be fit enough to play but unfortunately no (that didn't happen) and to lose two of our key players affected us.” said Briton.

"And then to concede a goal in the first minute. It was a kick for us. We struggled to get a foot in the game in the first half. You look at Goa - they are one team you don't want to give a one-nil start to."

Sergio Lobera was pleased that his side still had a fighting chance to end the league phase on top, as they were three points behind leaders Bengaluru.

"I'm happy because we have won the game but also because of the way we have won. It was a huge step forward in terms of qualifying for the playoffs. For the three remaining matches, two are at home.” said Lobera.

"So if we get the victory in the next game at home, we will see at Bengaluru for a chance to get on top of the table. We have to go step by step, following the path we have been adopting till today. We have to give some respect to ourselves and I'm not going to talk about the playoffs when we have not qualified yet," he remarked, choosing not to divulge much on his thoughts about his preferred opponents in the next round.

When asked if he would be keeping his key players fresh ahead of the knockout phase, Lobera replied in the negative. "We are not yet in the playoffs. So I have to use all the (key) players.”

"We are going to try to do what we always do and try to keep the team as fit as possible. We are not thinking yet about the playoffs but we have to keep the team as fit as possible for the upcoming games." he added.

The 42-year-old also remarked about that teenage goalkeeping sensation Mohammad Nawaz who was out of the team owing to an injury and not that he has lost trust in the youngster.

"The reason why Naveen (Kumar) is playing is because (Mohammad) Nawaz has been injured but I trust them both the same," he quipped.

Meanwhile, ATK have little chance of finishing in the top four as they would need to win both their remaining games and hope all others around lose. Coppell, however, called for his troops to not lose heart.

"Mathematically, we still have I don't know what percent chance. We play Mumbai (City FC) at home. That might put us in a position where we can overhaul Mumbai. So while there is hope, we live in hope. We will now lick our wounds and go home tomorrow and then get ourselves ready for the game next Friday (February 22). Obviously a massive game and (there is) still something on it.” Coppell said.

"Unbelievably, we still have something of real importance to play for and while that continues we will keep going."