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FC Goa have also struggled to overcome the final hurdle in the Indian Super League. The outfit from West part of India looks stagnated in the playoffs round and the finals after securing the qualification from the league thrice in four years. More often than not, the team features as one of the best teams at the group stages and it is surprising that the team has not been able to go all the way.
Sergio Lobera's side produced some stellar performances last season with eye-catching football. He did not have too much work in the transfer market. But, the FC Goa coach lost his key player Manuel Lanzarote to ATK, and has brought in Miguel Palanca as his replacement.
Carlos Pena, Lenny Rodrigues, Mourtada Fall, Jackichand Singh, Miguel Palanca, and Nirmal Chhetri are the new signings who will be representing the Blues in the upcoming season. In addition to Lanzarote, Sergio Juste, Narayan Das, Pronay Halder, and Naveen Kumar have decided to look elsewhere in search of a new challenge.
The Gaurs kick off their new campaign against Northeast United away at Guwahati on October 1st. These five reasons could play a big role should FC Goa lift the title in the upcoming season.
#5. Keeping hold of Ferras Corominas:
Ferran Corominas opened his scoring account for the Blues against Chennaiyin FC in a 3-2 win at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. He continued his scoring spree by bagging two hat-tricks which helped Goa beat Bengaluru and Kerala Blasters in front of the home crowd at Fatorda.
Eventually, the talismanic forward became the highest scorer of the Indian Super League last season and lifted the golden boot by netting 18 goals. Blessed with pace, supreme technique and devastating finishing, the Spaniard is one of the feared strikers in the League currently.
The 35-year-old already has his eyes on the golden boot as the new season of the Indian Super League beckons.
#4 Strengthening the defense
Goa might have topped the chart when it comes to scoring most goals in the league last season, but they had the fourth worst defensive record in the league by letting in 28 goals at the back.
In order to improve that horrible record, Lobera has signed three defenders - Mourtada Fall, Nirmal Chhetri, and Carlos Pena. Portuguese Bruno Pinheiro will be a massive loss for the club, but the experience of the new Senegalese international could play a big part in Goa's defense for amelioration which is a necessitate.
Seriton Fernandes will act as Right-back, but he would face stiff competition from Nirmal Chhetri as both of them would be a tussling out for a place in the starting eleven. Carlos Pena is expected to operate through the left flank, while Mohamed Ali will be partnering Fall in the center-back department.
#3. Lenny Rodrigues - The Jigsaw
Lenny Rodrigues was an integral part of Bengaluru FC runner-up campaign last season. The defensive midfielder could prove to be the missing jigsaw in this Goa line up.
Splendid tackling ability, the capability to nudge off opponents and an eye for goal - Lenny Rodrigues has got it all which you would expect from a defensive midfielder and could play an important role in FC Goa's upcoming campaign.
The Goa midfielder averaged 1.1 interceptions and 1.4 tackles per game last season, winning almost 50% of duels. Lenny Rodrigues is expected to partner Ahmed Jahouh is middle of the park to cut down the leakage of goals by sitting back with the defense.
#2 Blistering Pace up front
FC Goa forwards are so tough to handle because they have the ability to counter within a blink of an eye. For most parts of last season, Corominas, Lanzarote, Mandar Rao Desai, and Boumous started as the front four for the Blues.
The forwards combined to produce staggering 35 goals last season. This is down to the ability of these players with such drive and the knack of finding the back of the net. Defenders will find it difficult to deal with these attackers who have the tenacity to skip defenders with such ease.
Without the presence of Lanzarote, it will be tough for the Blues, but Miguel Palanca is expected to step up his gear. Attackers will be trying to replicate the same form going by scoring more goals to help the team win going into the new season.
#1 Lobera's attacking philosophy
Sergio Lobera has impressed plenty of league watchers by imposing his attacking football which has been entertaining for the fans. The Spaniard kicked off his career at Catalonia and went on to manage the reserve side of Barcelona, before having stints at Las Palmas, Terrassa, and Moghreb Tetouan.
His side reached the playoffs last season, only to lose to the reigning Champions Chennaiyin FC. They lacked the creativity to break down John Gregory's side which has forced the 41-year-old to add more creativity with the signings of Miguel Palance and Jakichand Singh.
With the front four and one of the defensive midfielders roaming with such freedom, goals are expected from this squad. The FC Goa manager will be hoping to tighten things up at the back and expect more or less from the forwards, which will enable his side to challenge for the title.
