The FC Goa interim head coach thanked everyone connected with the club such as former coach Sergio Lobera for its achievement.

It was a historic night for FC Goa as they outclassed Jamshedpur FC to complete at the peak of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2019-20 season league stage and become the first Indian Indian club to reserve a berth in the group phase of the AFC Champions League (ACL).

The Gaurs completely outplayed their opposition and entered the history books in fashion. Interim head coach Clifford Miranda was ecstatic with the accomplishment and credited everyone connected to the club such as former coach Sergio Lobera.

“It is a terrific feeling because from the start it had been one of the goals of the club to reach the group stage of AFC Champions League by coming first in the league and we have finally made it, it is a terrific feeling. Charge to the team, the direction, the technical personnel, before Sergio (Lobera) and now Derrick (Perreira) and of course the players. Not to forget the fans. Everyone connected with the club deserves it.”

Miranda stated that the scoreline doesn’t provide a clear image of the game and suggested they had to fight hard against Jamshedpur to pick up the 3 points.

“Despite the scoreline being 5-0, it was a really tough game for us. In actuality, before the 60th minute, it was an even match. As I said previously, Jamshedpur is a very strong side. They were out to prove a point. They had no pressure. It was a balanced game before the 60th minute and then we got the next goal and then in rapid succession, we obtained the third and fourth target and then the game went in our favour.”

The prior Dempo SC midfielder said that even though their side has great players but in the long run, it’s the team effort that has brought success to the club.

“We’ve got some fantastic individual players but it’s a team effort. We’ve got an excellent team, a team that’s been there for quite a long time. Yes, Individual players do make a difference. We’ve (Ferran) Corominas, Hugo (Boumous) who make a difference but in the end, we’re a team that plays together. What’s taken us this far is a group effort.”