If there is one club that has come tantalisingly close without winning the Indian Super League (ISL) title on more than one occasion, it is FC Goa.
The Goans have qualified for the play-offs thrice and made it to the final twice, a record that testifies to their consistency in the five-year-old league.
They were one of the most free-scoring teams in the last edition, netting 36 goals in 18 matches, but despite their domination on the field, the Gaurs fell short of the title once again, losing to Bengaluru FC by a solitary goal in the final.
After enduring a frustrating 2016-17 season where they finished at the bottom of the table, FC Goa bounced back with a vengeance in the next edition and qualified for the play-offs. They went a step further in the fifth edition by winning the Super Cup, a knockout tournament featuring ISL and I-League sides, and put the pain and heartbreak of losing the ISL final behind them.
Heading into the sixth edition of the league, which commences on October 20, nothing less than the title will satisfy the franchise co-owned by Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and their passionate fans.
Settled look
As in the previous seasons, Goa have a settled look about themselves. They have retained most of the prominent players from last season including their six foreign recruits. Hence, there is a sense of familiarity to the team and that is where they have a big advantage over their rivals.
Of the six overseas players in their ranks, four – Ferran Corominas, Edu Bedia, Ahmed Jahouh, and Hugo Boumous – will be taking the field for their third ISL together. They have also retained the services of Senegalese defender Mourtada Fall and Spanish full-back Carlos Pena.
Also, the franchise’s management has reposed its faith in some of the familiar yet dependable local faces such as Seriton Fernandes, Brandon Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai, Lenny Rodrigues and Jackichand Singh, who have all played for Goa under Sergio Lobera last season.
Spanish weapon
Talisman Corominas, who emerged the league’s top-scorer twice on the trot, will once again be Goa’s trump card. The 36-year-old Spanish forward, who spent the majority of his professional career with La Liga side Espanyol, appearing in 200 competitive games and scoring 24 goals, is expected to take the ISL by storm this season as well.
His partner up front will be 23-year-old Manvir Singh, who is being hailed as one of India’s brightest future prospects.
The other two Indian forwards, Lalawmpuia and Liston Colaco, will be waiting for their chance in the first XI.
Immense depth in midfield
FC Goa’s midfield, featuring former Barcelona 'B' player Eduardo Bedia, commonly known as Edu Bedia, French-Moroccan attacking midfielder Boumous, and Moroccan international Jahouh is certainly strong enough to set their sights higher. On paper, this is the best midfield combination in the fray.
Seiminlen Doungel, Brandon, Princeton Rebello, Jackichand, Kingslee Fernandes, Lenny, and Dessai will add Indian flavour to their midfield packed with foreign players.
Defensive options
Having made over 500 appearances in Spanish league football, the 36-year old Pena’s experience could hold the key to end FC Goa's defensive 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 31-year-old, who has played for top division clubs in Moroccan and Kuwaiti leagues, possesses incredible set-piece abilities. He has represented the Senegal’s national team thrice.
Apart from retaining talented local youngsters Seriton, Mohamed Ali, Chinglensana Singh, Saviour Gama, and Amey Ranawade, the Gaurs have snapped up the 23-year-old Aiban Dohling from I-League side Shillong Lajong to bolster their defence.
They have also strengthened their rearguard by signing former Kerala Blasters custodian Naveen Kumar, who is expected to be their new first-choice goalkeeper. The other two shot-stoppers in the squad are Mohammad Nawaz and Shubham Dhas.
The gaffer
Sergio Lobera Rodriguez is somebody who became a trainer without having much playing experience at the highest level. He 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.
He joined FC Goa in 2017 after the management decided to part ways with Brazilian legend Zico following a disastrous campaign the previous year which saw them languishing at the bottom of the table. The 42-year-old rebuilt them from scratch and imparted a certain philosophy to the team, apart from ensuring that he has the right kind of players for his attacking brand of football.
Strengths
Goa wear the look of a well-settled unit as the nucleus of the team remains intact
They play an attractive brand of free-flowing football
The ability to score goals
Weaknesses
A leaky defence that has always crumbled under pressure
Lack of match practice as they played their pre-season games at home against weaker opponents
