ISL 2017: FC Pune City apologise to FC Goa after unsavoury comments by assistant manager

What's the story?

A fresh controversy has brewed ahead of the upcoming ISL season between FC Pune City and FC Goa. Pradhyum Reddy, Pune's assistant coach recently made some personal comments about FC Goa manager Sergio Lobera.

The comments about Lobera's managerial abilities have not gone down well with both the clubs in focus, and Goa have prompted the Stallions to justify their stance through an apology letter to the Goan team.

Subsequently, it has come to light that FC Pune City have sent an apology letter to FC Goa, stating that the comments were the personal opinion of Pradhyum Reddy, and does not represent those of the club.

In case you didn't know...

Pradhyum Reddy had joined FC Pune City only earlier this season. He was an assistant coach at Bengaluru FC, before accepting an offer from the Stallions. Along with being a deputy to the new coach, Ranko Popovic, Reddy is also Pune's head of development.

The heart of the matter

The controversy started when Reddy was asked about the coaching opportunities for Indian coaches in the ISL. He then shifted focus to the Gaurs and commented that Goa's assistant coach Derrick Pereira was a more worthy choice of being the manager of the Goan side than Lobera. Reddy claimed that Pereira was more knowledgeable than the 40-year-old Spaniard and even said that Lobera would learn the tricks of management from Pereira than the other way around.

What's next?

FC Pune City have been quick to distance themselves from Reddy's comments by issuing an apology straightway. It remains to be seen whether the club decides to take any action against their assistant coach.

Author's take

Reddy's statement in a recent interview were not in good taste and the club have been rather fast in their damage control. This incident is surely set to spice up the meetings between the two sides for the upcoming campaign.