ISL 2017/18: FC Goa to travel to Spain for pre-season
A new-look FC Goa will fly to Murcia, Spain on October 7th 2017, for a run of pre-season games before the start of the fourth edition of the Hero Indian Super League. Under new management in the form of ex-Barcelona assistant coach Sergio Lobera and Goan football legend, Derrick Pereira, the Gaurs have invested heavily in local talent and a vibrant mix of experienced international players.
The 27-man squad, which will include four development team players will travel to Murcia and train and play five friendlies at the La Manga Club which boasts of world class facilities including eight natural grass FIFA international standard pitches and a match pitch that can accommodate up to 800 spectators. In addition, there is also a 5-a-side pitch, a High-Performance Sports centre and a fitness centre at the training facility.
Playing against quality opposition will help the squad gel together and improve their chemistry. Besides, utilising the wealth of facilities available there will certainly help the team in their quest for a first ISL crown. “I'm pleased that the team is able to travel to Spain for our pre-season. It’s a vital part of our preparations and with the quality of the opposition there, we will have a good opportunity to test ourselves. We are training in some of the best facilities and this will stand the team in good stead come the season,” said head coach, Sergio Lobera.
The Gaurs have potentials friendlies lined up against the likes of FC Cartagena, UCAM Murcia CF, Mar Menor FC, Lorca FC, Almeria FC and former La Liga side Real Murcia before returning to Goa on October 27th, 2017.
New ISL entrants, Bengaluru FC also travelled to Murcia for pre-season training ahead of their AFC Cup campaign and played Segunda Division – B side UCAM Murcia CF.