MARGAO
FC Goa has a huge rebuilding task ahead of them as they embark on their new journey in the seventh edition of the Indian Super League, feel die-hard fans of the clubs.
The Gaurs last season sacked their Spanish coach Sergio Lobera in a stunning decision, with a few rounds still to be played, and fans are hoping the rebuilding process goes off smoothly.
The fans' concerns are not just centred around the chief tactician but around a host of players moving away from the Goan side and they are hoping the new recruits gel well with the FC Goa plan of things.
“It was very certain and clear right from the time of sacking Sergio Lobera that this was coming and I think the club should have prepared for it. I think it's very difficult, be it any industry to adapt to major developments suddenly. As an individual you lose trust, you lose confidence and it's been normal where individuals to follow their managers/coaches for self-development. For the new season, the primary focus is to build all over again and as a fan, I don’t have the patience to support them,” said Yvonne Fernandes, a fan from Mapusa.
Some supporters feel FC Goa management has a huge task ahead of them to stabilise their off the field matters after the departure of Lobera.
“I believe FC Goa management has lost its dressing room. The players which helped them qualify for AFC Champions League will now be missed. This season will be a big challenge, especially in finding suitable replacements for Hugo, Fall and Ahmed Jahou,” said Kane Barreto from Candolim.
Many fans feel that AFC Champions League will be a huge challenge in itself. “FC Goa need to be stronger than ever. They need to show how they can overcome such a situation as they go forward to ACL. FC Goa are a team of high standard and we all are there to support the club,” said Raj Kamat from Kundaim.
Some fans have shown confidence in the new coach Juan Ferrando, who they believe will build a strong team for the new season.
“I believe FC Goa will rise up to the occasion as the new gaffer is very positive about the club philosophy. No doubt many players have left the club but as supporters, we wish them good luck as it’s for their career growth. As far as next season is concerned, we still have players like Brandon Fernandes, Mohammed Nawas, Lenny Rodrigues among many other promising talents who will make a mark for the team. As a supporter I believe that the team will rise with shining results next season,” said Pooja Kamat, a housewife from Kundaim.
Fans are hoping that the tiki-taka style of football synonyms with Spanish football is carried forward by Ferrando.
“FC Goa has been one of the most entertaining sides of Indian Super League. Sergio Lobera will always remain in the hearts of Goans and his contributions to FC Goa will be remembered and shine as the golden era of the club. We hope that the tiki-taka football style legacy is continued as we expect around five Spanish coaches in the next season and all love attacking football. As an ardent supporter of FC Goa, we will always stand tall with our players,” said Sidharth Mehta from Navelim.
Fans have confidence that the new signings will provide the necessary spark in the FC Goa ranks.
“FC Goa is our pride and no matter which player plays for the club we will always support the team. The fresh signings are exciting and we look forward to them creating new records for the team,” said Vilas Gokul from Fatorda.
However, a few fans, disappointed at the state of affairs at FC Goa have decided to dump their team and support a different club in the league.
“I am so disappointed by the current management that I have lost interest in FC Goa altogether. They have lost their poster boys and now rolling in Romeo Fernandes just to fill in the shoes of Mandar Rao Dessai. But I and many others from my ward have now thought to instead support teams elsewhere. We feel lost after we have seen our stars like Coro, Hugo and Mandar undervalued for their contributions. I am not going to support this team anymore and not waste my time over it,” said Wahid Shaikh from Margao.
