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Tag: FC Goa

Derrick FCG

Derrick Pereira backs Carlos Pena’s return to FC Goa

Panaji,  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.

HFC-1

Hyderabad FC, ATKMB face-off in big clash at Fatorda

Goa: After seeing off 2021 with a resounding 6-1 victory over Odisha FC, Hyderabad FC are back in action in the Indian Super League for the first time in the new year when they take on ATK Mohun Bagan in an away game at Fatorda on Wednesday.

Currently 2nd in the league table, HFC have 15 points from eight games while ATKMB has 14 points from their eight games and stand in the 4th position, making this game a crucial one for either side as three points takes the winner to the summit.

After a strong start to the campaign, ATKMB had a tough run of results. A change in leadership followed when they roped in Juan Ferrando from Goa after their clash against Hyderabad. The Spaniard is into this third game as the coach of the Kolkata-based side and HFC Head Coach Manolo Marquez believes that he will take time to implement his system at ATKMB.

“Juan Ferrando is a very good coach, but he has just arrived at the club. He has had more time to work with the team now and he will try to change something but at the moment, they are similar to their time under the previous coach,” said Manolo.

“Ferrando will try to change the style but this takes time. ATKMB are a big team and for sure, they will fight for the title,” he added.

The Mariners have the likes of Liston Colaco, Hugo Boumous, Roy Krishna and Manvir Singh in fine form in front of goal. Pritam Kotal, Tiri and Carl McHugh add balance to the side and will be a tough team to face on Wednesday.

“When you play against strong teams, every detail is important. Liston, Roy Krishna, Manvir, Williams are all dangerous players in open play and set-pieces,” said Manolo.

“But we have to control the game and try to stick to our style of play. We cannot go to the game and try to defend these players and wait for that one chance. We have to stick to our style and play at our best,” he added.

The HFC Head Coach also revealed that Halicharan Narzary remains the only player sidelined for this game with the injury. ATK Mohun Bagan has no new injury issues to worry about either, ahead of this clash.

Speaking about the game, Manolo Marquez further added, “ATKMB are a strong side but we cannot change our style for this game. Both teams will have chances to win and we will give our best.”

The hosts are fresh from back-to-back wins over FC Goa and NorthEast United and will be high on confidence going into this game. Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC is also in good form, and are unbeaten in their last seven league games, while they also have the best defence in the league at this stage.

Bartholomew Ogbeche will look to add to his goals to take back the lead in the ISL Golden Boot race while former HFC player Liston Colaco will want to keep up his form and continue to lead the charts for Indian goal scorers this season.

The game kicks off at 7:30 pm IST on Wednesday and will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network with live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and JioTV.