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AFC Champions League a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience: FC Goa coach Ferrando

FC Goa is the first team from India to be playing at this stage of the competition

fc-goa-odisha-pti [File] Having won the ISL League Winners’ Shield in the 2019-20 season, FC Goa qualified for the 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage | PTI

FC Goa head coach Juan Ferrando is excited at the prospect of the club playing in the 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage, stating that it is “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.

The AFC Champions League is set to be played in India for the first time ever. It will also be the first time ever that a team from India will be playing at this stage of the competition.

Having won the ISL League Winners’ Shield in the 2019-20 season, FC Goa qualified for the 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage, and Ferrando looks at it as an opportunity to make the country proud.

“Very excited! This is one of the biggest competitions in the world alongside the likes of the UEFA Champions League and Copa Libertadores. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. These are the kind of things you start playing football for. We are all very enthusiastic about is to come and hope to make the country proud,” Ferrando was quoted as saying by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

“It’s a huge one (opportunity). Not only for FC Goa but also for the entire nation. This is an opportunity for our players to play against some of the biggest names in Asia. It not only be beneficial for the club but also be beneficial for the entire Indian footballing community,” he added.

FC Goa made it to the top-four in the recently concluded season of the Indian Super League, but lost out in the semifinal against eventual champions Mumbai City FC.

“I always try to help the players improve with each passing day. And despite a great campaign in the ISL, I am aware that the team has still lots of room to improve. Our goals are still far. My mindset is not to think about what we have done so far but always to think of what is left to do to get closer to our goals,” Ferrando said.

He also praised the country’s organisational efforts, having successfully conducted tournaments during the pandemic, adding that football bodies such as FIFA and AFC have notice it too.

“I am very excited that Goa and India get to host such a big tournament but sad at the same time as fans won’t be in the stadium to get a real feel of it all. However, giving the rights to India just shows the trust bodies like the AFC and FIFA have in the country,” said Ferrando.

(With inputs from agencies)

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