FC Goa

In the recent past AIFF president Praful Patel admitted that he wanted a team from Goa at the start of the Indian Super League. And Voila! FC Goa was conceived as a result. The Gaurs, as they are popularly known, are the perfect embodiment of Indian football as we know it. With Zico at the helm in their first few seasons, the club was destined for greatness.

In recent times, Juan Ferrando has taken over the club with Ravi Puskur taking over as Director of football operations. The Spaniard’s first season has already seen him stamp his authority on the side and it remains to be seen what happens in the upcoming season

Also see: FC Goa Fixtures

Background

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli owns a small stake in the ISL franchise. The club has also had some big names play a part in their formation of the club such as Robert Pires, Andre Santos, and Lucio. Zico’s arrival as manager also saw a change in the way football was played. Romeo Fernandes, a local hero also went on to play a handful of matches for Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense.

Sergio Lobera, who managed FC Goa for two seasons stamped his authority on the side and built the team in his image. The Spaniard, who is now the head coach of Mumbai City FC guided the Gaurs to pole position at the end of the previous season and helped find a winning formula for the team.

At the moment, Juan Ferrando has a task on his hands to ensure that the club replicates the success they showed in the previous season.

Best performances

Some of the biggest successes for FC Goa came under the leadership of Sergio Lobera. Although the Spaniard was removed rather acrimoniously from his position as head coach, he helped FC Goa to the finals of the 2018-19 season, and the League Winners’ Shield in the 2019-20 season.

Lobera was also a master recruiter as he managed to lure in the likes of Coro, Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, and several others. He also built a formidable attacking unit in FC Goa, something that he has managed to replicate with his new club Mumbai City FC as well.

The last two seasons have been quite productive for FC Goa in terms of Silverware. They have managed to claim four trophies including the Goa Police Cup, the Indian Super Cup, and the Goa Professional league trophy.

Greatest losses

The Gaurs have had their fair share of heartbreaks in the recent past. Having made it to the finals of the ISL in 2015, they lost 3-2 to Chennaiyin FC in the final. The ISL championship would elude them yet again in the 2018-19 final where Bengaluru FC defeated them 1-0 in the final. Rahul Bheke snatched the winner for the Blues in extra time.

Major players

Ferran Corominas, fondly known as Coro has been the most notable of the players who have served FC Goa over the years. Coro has managed a total of 55 goals, 48 of which came in the Indian Super League.

Hugo Boumous, Mourtada Fall, Ahmed Jahouh, and Mandar Rao Dessai were all important members of the side that claimed the League Winners’ Shield last season. All of these players have now joined Mumbai City FC. In the context of the upcoming season, Lenny Rodrigues, Igor Angulo, and Brandon Fernandes will be key to the side’s chances as they aim to replicate their successes from the previous season.