FC Goa’s objective is to build a strong team that is different, says head coach Carlos Pena

Times of India | 1 day ago | 21-08-2022 | 02:40 am

FC Goa’s objective is to build a strong team that is different, says head coach Carlos Pena

Panaji: FC Goa coach Carlos Pena didn’t seem out of place when he took charge of the team’s training session in preparation for the next edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).The Spaniard is not new to Goa.After all, Pena spent two seasons at the club as a player from 2018 to 20. The 38-year-old will use this to his advantage as he looks to rebuild FC Goa after a forgettable season when they finished ninth.Since the league’s inception in 2014, Goa have been the most consistent side, making it to the play-offs on a regular basis. They finished runnersup on two occasions and Pena wants to break the title jinx.“My objective is to build a strong team this season,” Pena told TOI on Saturday. “I have to recover the level of some players. I think they are better than what they showed last season and we are working on that. We have new additions and we are now thinking only to build a strong group and make our fans enjoy football.”Goa are known for their attractive style of football and the players will be boosted with the presence of fans in the stands.The ISL was played inside a bio-secure bubble with empty stadiums for the last two years. The league was played entirely at a single venue – Goa.On Saturday when Goa opened the doors of training, fans turned out in large numbers at the Salvador do Mundo ground, Goa’s training base.The fan presence certainly made a difference. “Very happy with the work of the guys. Very happy with the support of the fans. It’s a very special day for us because they (team) haven’t played with them for the last two years. This season is going to be special because we can meet the fans again at the stadium and we are looking forward to that,” said Pena. From last season’s foreign players, Goa have retained only Spanish midfielder and captain Edu Bedia, the club’s longest-serving foreigner now into his sixth season here.From the five new foreign players, only Alvaro Vazquez has experience of playing in India, having led the Kerala Blasters FC frontline last season. Moroccan midfielder Noah Sadaoui, Syrian defender Fares Arnaout and Spaniards Marc Valiente and Iker Guarrotxena are all new to India.“I am very happy with the squad I have. I think we have signed very good players and know some of them. We also have great players here that have remained with us, so I’m very happy with the commitment they are showing now. I think it is time to build a good team that is different,” said Pena.

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All you need to know about Durand Cup 2022: Teams, Schedule, Timings, Venues and more
The Indian Express | 5 days ago | 17-08-2022 | 11:40 am
The Indian Express
5 days ago | 17-08-2022 | 11:40 am

The 131st edition of the Durand Cup, the oldest football tournament in Asia, kicked off on Tuesday with Mohammedan Sporting beating defending champions FC Goa 3-1. The competition also marks the beginning of the Indian domestic football season.Founded in 1888 by the former Foreign Secretary of British India, Mortimer Durand, the Durand Cup was initially played only amongst the armed services but was later opened for professional football clubs across the country.Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are the the joint-most successful teams in the history of the competition with 16 titles each to their name. FC Goa won the cup last year after a tense 1-0 win over Mohammedan Sporting in the final. Here’s all you need to know about the 2022 edition of the Durand Cup.TeamsThe number of teams participating has gone up from 16 to a total of 20, spread across four groups. All 11 Indian Super League clubs will be featuring in the competition. In addition, five I-League clubs and four teams from the Armed Forces will be taking part. Mumbai City FC, Odisha FC and NorthEast United will be making their competition debut. Winners of the 2019 Durand Cup, Gokulam Kerala FC will not be participating though.Group A:FC GoaMohammedan SportingBengaluru FCJamshedpur FCIndian Air ForceGroup B:East BengalATK Mohun Bagan,Mumbai City FCRajasthan United FCIndian NavyGroup C:Neroca FCTrau FCHyderabad FC Chennaiyin FCArmy RedGroup D:Odisha FCNorthEast United FCKerala BlastersSudeva Delhi FCArmy GreenVenues The competition, for the first time in its history, is being played across multiple cities in West Bengal, Assam and Manipur. Below is the list of the venues hosting the 2022 Durand Cup.Matches The Durand Cup 2022 shall be played from August 16 to September 18.Where can I watch the Durand Cup 2022 on TV in India?All the Durand Cup 2022 matches will be telecast on the Sports18 network in India.Where do I watch the Durand Cup 2022 matches on the internet?The Durand cup 2022 matches will be available for live streaming on Voot Select and JioTV.

All you need to know about Durand Cup 2022: Teams, Schedule, Timings, Venues and more
Durand Cup: Super sub Faslu Rahman help Mohammedan beat FC Goa 3-1
The Indian Express | 5 days ago | 16-08-2022 | 10:40 pm
The Indian Express
5 days ago | 16-08-2022 | 10:40 pm

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Durand Cup: Super sub Faslu Rahman help Mohammedan beat FC Goa 3-1
We are keen to create impact: FC Goa coach Cardozo
The Indian Express | 6 days ago | 15-08-2022 | 10:40 pm
The Indian Express
6 days ago | 15-08-2022 | 10:40 pm

Deggie Cardozo, the head coach of FC Goa, says his players are determined to make an impact when they begin their title defence with a match against Mohammedan SC in Durand Cup opener here on Tuesday.The Gaurs arrived for the tournament on Sunday ahead of the club’s third campaign at the tournament, having previously played in the 2019 and 2021 editions.So far, the team has remained unbeaten in the tournament and would look to extend its solid run, but it is easier said than done considering the number of tough opponents.Cardozo said the squad is upbeat about their chances in the competition.” Our players have trained well and are in good spirits. They are aware that playing in the prestigious tournament is a good opportunity for them, and are hence keen to create an impact,” he said, ahead of the team’s clash against the Kolkata-based club.Nearly there ⚽⏳#ForcaGoa #AmcheGaurs #DurandCup2022 pic.twitter.com/6yt5ndVgWt— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) August 13, 2022“Our training session on Monday was quite fruitful. The whole squad worked in unison and we were able to discuss some key areas as far as preparation for the games are concerned.”The Boys in Orange, coming to the tournament with the tag of the defending champions, are expected to play out their campaign opener in front of packed stands rooting for the home team. Cardozo added that this serves as extra motivation for the team.”We are not under any pressure. Our objectives are clear – be the best versions of ourselves and try to get the trophy back home. Playing in front of the fans would inspire us more and help us remember what we’re here for, and we look forward to having a great match against Mohammedan SC,” he said.”We intend to take the three points home on Monday, as that will give us an added boost. Starting on a strong note is important, as it will set the tone for the rest of our campaign.” Lesly Rebello, the team captain also weighed in as he said, “We would love to defend our title. Keeping that objective in mind, we have been giving it our all in training and hence we hope to have a good set of games.” “Another thing that I look forward to is playing in front of the fans. As a footballer, you dream of such situations.”On Tuesday, we intend to make the most out of the opportunity and convert their presence to a motivating factor that will help us go the extra mile for a win and three points,” the 22-year-old added.The Black and White brigade on the other hand have retained the nucleus of last year’s squad with Trinidadian marksman Marcus Joseph still leading the lines.Players like Milan Singh in midfield and Abhishek Ambekar bring in the experience with the likes of former Lokomotiv Moscow and Tajik national-team recruit Nuriddin Davronov bringing in the x-factor.Top Sports News NowIndependence Day special: The Raj Era Cricket vs Polo fight, featuring Mahatma Gandhi, and also Jerry SeinfeldWhy CWG silver medallist Murali Sreeshankar has taken vow not to eat Kerala parottaIs Aubameyang headed to Chelsea and will PSG keep their hands off Rashford?Click here for more The clash between FC Goa and Mohammedan SC will take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

We are keen to create impact: FC Goa coach Cardozo
Young FC Goa players eager to perform: Deggie
Times of India | 1 week ago | 12-08-2022 | 02:40 am
Times of India
1 week ago | 12-08-2022 | 02:40 am

Panaji: FC Goa are making sure their developmental side is given enough opportunities to showcase their potential.The team which plays regularly in the Goa Professional League put up a good showing in the Development League in April and has now been entrusted with the task of defending the Durand Cup title.Last year, FC Goa took their first team and included foreign players for Asia’s oldest football tournament. They triumphed, but have decided to field their reserves for this season’s competition.Development team head coach Deggie Cardozo will shoulder the responsibility of the campaign, with guidance from technical director Derrick Pereira.“In terms of understanding, there won’t be any problems for us,” Cardozo told TOI during an online interaction on Thursday. “The team has performed very well (in the development league) and we are looking forward to the Durand Cup. We will perform well.”Four first team players, goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, Muhammed Nemil, Phrangki Buam and new signing Ayush Chhetri, will spearhead FC Goa’s challenge in the absence of foreigners and other senior players.“We are the defending champions and need to get back the trophy to Goa. Our preparation was good, our young players are eager to get to Kolkata and perform,” said Cardozo. In the last edition, Nemil was one of the star performers with four goals and two assists, along with Devendra Murgaonkar. However, the 20-year-old Kerala youngster, who had training stints in Spain, managed only 362 minutes across 14 games in the Indian Super League (ISL).He is now ready to prove himself again.“I don’t think there is much difference in what I do. I am going to try my best more than last year. And I’m going to try my best to help my team win the title again,” said Nemil.Goa will kickstart their campaign against Mohammedan SC on August 16 in what will be a repeat of last year’s final which the Goans won 1-0 with an extra time strike from captain Edu Bedia.Goa are in Group A alongside Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC and Indian Air Force.Squad: Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Hansel Coelho, Bob Jackson. Defenders: Delzan Passanha, Rayan Menezes, Lesly Rebello (captain), Aditya Salgaonkar, Mallikjan Kalegar, Deeshank Kunkalikar, Salman Faris. Midfielders: Lalremruata HP, Velroy Fernandes, Delton Colaco, Malsawmtluanga, Davis Fernandes, Rayan Menezes, Anthony Fernandes, Ayush Chhetri, Muhammed Nemil, Shannon Viegas. Forwards: Vasim Inamdar, Phrangki Buam, Mevan Dias, Jovial Dias, Salgeo Dias, Jordan Borges.

Young FC Goa players eager to perform: Deggie
It was tough to leave Goa, but I made the right decision: Liston Colaco
Times of India | 2 weeks ago | 06-08-2022 | 02:40 am
Times of India
2 weeks ago | 06-08-2022 | 02:40 am

Panaji: Liston Colaco’s decision to leave the comfort of his home was tough but necessary, according to the forward who has since grown into one of India’s more lethal attacking option.Colaco, 23, spent two and half seasons at FC Goa, largely seated on the bench or in the stands. His potential was never in doubt, proof of which was the transfer fee that Goa paid Salgaocar FC to free him from his contract. But limited game time in the Indian Super League (ISL) meant the young forward had to make an important call.“It was tough,” Colaco told TOI. “To leave my hometown, it was difficult, but as a professional, you need to make these sacrifices. I made the right decision.”The ATK Mohun Bagan star who finished as the highest Indian scorer in the ISL with eight goals and was the only domestic player in the top 15 played all games for the Kolkata club last season.At Hyderabad FC the previous year, he played 19 games and scored two goals, a big leap from his two and half seasons at Goa where he got just 79 minutes as a late substitute.“The prime reason why I left FC Goa is because I was not getting playing time. I used to not like to come from home for the matches to sit in the stands. I wanted to play, that’s why I made the decision.“I was not sure about it at the start because I had never played outside Goa. Then I made my mind up and decided to make the move, whatever happens. The last two seasons were (played) inside a bio-secure bubble (in Goa), so it did not affect me,” said Colaco.While the Davorlim lad first moved to Hyderabad from Goa on a free transfer during the January window in 2020, ATK Mohun Bagan then broke the bank to take him to Kolkata in a record transfer deal.Last season, Colaco had everything going for him as he scored several “Golazos.” His best, though, came against Goa when he beat Seriton Fernandes with a feint and then unleashed a ferocious strike from 30 yards out that swerved right to bamboozle goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh.At the end of the season, he was the toast of the nation.At home, there was even a song in his honour ‘Davorlechem Noketr’ or Star of Davorlim.“I want to score for my country,” said Colaco, who has come close but hasn’t scored yet for India. “At the club level, we train for months, but with the national team, we need to train more together and understand each other. That’s how we will improve. Regarding my (goal-scoring) form, it will take time. I think in the next games, I will definitely score.”

It was tough to leave Goa, but I made the right decision: Liston Colaco
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