~ Pereira believes the Spaniard’s familiarity with the Club and Indian football will help him garner success ~
Mumbai, 2 May 2022: FC Goa’s Technical Director Derrick Pereira believes Club icon and former defensive mainstay Carlos Pena is ready to take on the challenge of leading the club. The former Indian International lent his vote of confidence to the new head coach as he believes that his passion for the game added to the advantage of his familiarity with Indian football and the Club should help him overcome the upcoming challenges.
Speaking on Carlos Pena’s appointment, Pereira said, “I really have no doubts that he’s ready for the job. He knows the Club, he knows the expectations that come with the job at Goa, he has felt the love of the fans, he knows the people and the environment within the Club which is so important. He has everyone’s trust.
“He is a real student of the game and more importantly, he has passion. He has more experience now than I had when I took over. I wish him the best and hopefully step by step FC Goa will be back to where we aspire to be.”
Pereira had Pena as one his key players when he took over the reins late on in the 2019/20 season. And with him at the helm, he hopes the club can find their old form.
Reminiscent of Pereira’s journey as a coach
Pereira's career also followed a similar trajectory. Following his storied career, the Goan legend took charge of the Salgaocar U19 for a brief period before being handed over the rule for Vasco SC in 2000 - the team qualifying for the I-League during his spell as head coach.
“The management has chosen Carlos because the positives of him taking over the reins far outweigh any negatives. As a player he was always one who put the team first. He was a leader in the dressing room and his teammates looked upto him,” remarked Pereira of his former ward.
“It’s, of course, going to be a real challenge and a learning experience for him, but he has rich experience having played under at a very high level in Spain and learning from a number of well-renowned coaches.”
During his time at FC Goa as a player, Pena became a mainstay of the side that reached the ISL Final in 2018/19 before helping the Gaurs capture their first silverware in the 2019 Super Cup. The following season, there was more silverware awaiting as the Gaurs got their hands on the ISL League Winners’ Shield while cementing their place in history as the first team from India to qualify for the group stages of the AFC Champions League.
And now with the 38-year-old back at the club, Pereira along with the fans will be looking forward to bringing back the good ol’ days.
About FC Goa
FC Goa is a professional football club based out of Goa that competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) and is the current holder of the Super Cup. Nicknamed the Gaurs, FC Goa has been one of the most consistent teams in the ISL - reaching 4 semi-finals and 2 finals in 7 seasons. The Gaurs are also the ISL side with the most wins and goals to their name.
In April 2021, FC Goa became the first-ever side from India to compete in the AFC Champions League.
Co-owned by Mr Jaydev Mody, Mr Akshay Tandon and Mr Virat Kohli, FC Goa is one of the few Indian Clubs to have a complete youth development ecosystem. Its U14, U16, U18 and Developmental Teams compete at the highest levels in Goa and nationally. The system has produced recognizable talents like Liston Colaco, Saviour Gama, Princeton Rebello and many more. The Gaurs were the champions of the Goa Professional League in 2018/19.
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