Kochi: FC Goa have a history of frustration in the Indian Super League (ISL). They were one of the most free-scoring teams in the last edition, but despite their domination on the field, the Gaurs fell short of the title, thanks to their leaky defence.
In fact, they were being punished for laying too much emphasis on attack. If their strikers had scored two, the defenders would conspire to concede two of their own, which eventually decided their fate in the campaign.
Going into the fifth season, FC Goa are a completely different squad, with a new line-up, a new philosophy and a new playing style, all brought in by coach Sergio Lobera Rodriguez after the last year’s disappointing campaign. In order to patch the hole in their defence this season, they have signed a number of high quality foreign and local players.
The team’s backline will have a different complexion this season following the departure of a number of established players. This time around, defensive strength will be the hallmark of FC Goa who were the best attacking team in the league by quite some distance in the previous seasons.
Defensive approach
Four of Goa’s ten new signings are defenders. They include Spanish full-back Carlos Pena, a product of FC Barcelona’s youth academy, and Senegalese Mourtada Fall, nicknamed as “The Wall”.
Having made over 500 appearances in Spanish league football, the 35-year old Penna’s experience could hold the key to end FC Goa's defence woes this season. He has represented Spanish league sides such as Albacete, Recreativo de Huelva, Real Vallodolid Oviedo, Getafe and Lorca FC.
The 6-foot-7-inch tall Fall will be a towering presence in Goa’s backline. The 30-year-old, who has played for top division clubs in Moroccan and Kuwait leagues, possesses incredible set-piece abilities. He has represented the Senegal’s national team thrice.
Indian additions
Apart from retaining talented youngsters Seriton Fernandes, Mohamed Ali, and Chinglensana Singh, who were impressive in the last season, the Gaurs have signed Sikkimese full-back Nirmal Chettri from NorthEast United FC to bolster their defence.
They have also strengthened their rearguard by signing former Bengaluru FC custodian Lalthuammawia Ralte, who will be their new first-choice goalkeeper.
Laxmikant Kattimani, who guarded their net in the previous seasons, and India U-19 player Mohammad Nawaz, are the reserve keepers.
Palanca to boss midfield
The absence of Manuel Lanzarote, who joined ATK after being one of the star performers for them last year, will hurt FC Goa badly. They will heavily rely on Spanish left-winger Miguel Palanca to take them forward following the departure of Lanzarote. Having featured for the likes of Real Madrid and Espanyol in LaLiga, the versatile 30-year-old can play in the attacking or holding positions with equal flair.
Their head coach Lobera began his coaching career with the youth team of FC Barcelona about two decades ago and was part of the late Tito Vilanova's backroom staff. He has previously coached La Liga side Las Palmas and Moghreb Tetouan in Morocco.
