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ISL 2017: Coach Sergio Lobera attributes FC Goa's loss to 'mistake' by referee

Sergio Lobera. (Photo: ISL)
Sergio Lobera. (Photo: ISL)

FC Goa suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Mumbai City FC in Saturday's ISL encounter. The Gaurs were extremely calm and collective on the ball in the first half. However, all hell broke loose in the second as the visitors were guilty of conceding cheap goals.

Goa's coach, Sergio Lobera was adamant that his side did not deserve to leave Mumbai empty-handed.

"Obviously, the sensation isn't great because I don't think we deserved to lose. Particularly in the second half, the game was very open and we create a lot of chances. Unfortunately, we don't have the points or the result that we deserved," he said.

Goa's goalkeeper, Laximant Kattimani was largely responsible for Sunday's loss. The shot-stopper made a huge blunder that led to Mumbai's first goal and he failed to make a routine save from an acute angle which resulted in Mumbai's late winner. However. Lobera refused to pin the blame on Kattimani.

"If we start analysing individual errors, if it wasn't for the referee we wouldn't have lost this game either. Kattimani for me continues to be the best keeper, I have complete faith in him and all of my players. Despite the result, I still believe in him completely," the coach stated.

Goa were denied a goal in the second half after the officials deemed it to be offside. The visitors played some amazing, slick passing football which led to the goal and replays showed that it wasn't an offside. Lobera slammed the referee for his mistake and reckons that wrong decision ultimately led to their downfall.

"The referee did make a mistake, he called offside for a goal that was actually in. You guys have seen it better than me. I will let you guys decide. Everyone is capable of making mistakes. If we talk about individual errors, then yes, the referee is one of them," he explained.

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