ISL 2017: 5 reasons why FC Goa can win the title

FC Goa's club emblem is an Indian bison called the Gaur. It has been listed as a vulnerable animal and is on the list of threatened species. The club too, now finds itself in a precarious position. After two stellar seasons during which they entered the semi-finals and finished runners-up respectively, Goa finished the 2016 season at the bottom of the points table.

A state known to play the beautiful game as it's supposed to be played, the club's ego took a huge hit and they're now intent on winning back the trust and respect of their fans this time around.

We enlist five reasons why FC Goa have a real chance at the ISL 2017 title!

---

#5 Poor 2016 season will serve as enough motivation

Under Zico's watchful eyes, Goa were outplayed and dismantled last season. Often, it was painful to watch The Gaurs get mauled by their opposition. Goa's legendary coach found himself in a helpless state and failed to put a plug on the never-ending losses. They ended up losing eight of their 14 matches and ended the season with the worst goal difference among all the eight teams (-10).

Having finished at the bottom of the points table last year, Goa can only move upwards. The club and their players will remember the poor manner in which they conceded a whopping 25 goals last season. Their tepid display in 2016 will serve as inspiration when they head onto the pitch on 19th November.

#4 A new coach who has operated at the highest level

Sergio Lobera

Goa's faithful always considered Zico to be a legend and that will never change. He ensured The Gaurs played some wonderful football over the course of the three years that he was in charge.

But the writing was on the wall. FC Goa lacked the hunger and desire necessary to win a title and it was evident in their gameplay last season. Understandably, the club decided to part ways with Zico.

The management has replaced him with an equally adept coach in Sergio Lobera. The Spaniard is only 40 years old and has served as FC Barcelona's assistant manager under Tito Vilanova's reign. Add to that, he has also managed La Liga outfit Las Palmas from 2012-14. It's safe to say, Goa are in good hands this season.

#3 A working-class midfield

Pronay Halder

One usually associates FC Goa with smooth, open football. But free approach led to their downfall last time around. As a result, the management wisely decided to recruit some of the hardest working midfielders around.

The Gaurs arguably have the best midfield in the league. In Pronay Halder and Pratesh Shirodkar, the club boast of two men who are always ready to put in the yards and enable their forwards to play with freedom.

Mandar Rao will run riot on the wings and provide ample service to Goa's forwards. The clubs foreign recruits include three Spaniards. It's no secret that Spanish midfielders know to control a football match. The trio will provide stability in the middle of the park.

#2 Two experienced Spanish forwards

Adrian Colunga

Ultimately, Goa's pursuit of the title will largely depend on how they fare in the final third of the pitch. They have two experienced Spaniards who are very well capable of inflicting damage at a moments notice.

Adrián Colunga is a Spanish striker who has plenty of experience with La Liga outfits - Las Palmas, Getafe, Granada and Mallorca to name a few. The diminutive striker spent last season in Cyprus and will be itching to shine under the bright lights.

In Ferran Corominas, Goa have another credible forward. The Spaniard has spent most of his footballing career with RCD Espanyol, playing 268 matches for Barcelona's city rivals. He too spent last season with a Cypriot club and did decently well scoring five goals in 18 matches.

#1 Loyal fans who never turn their back

A football club can boast of the best talent in the world, but it is nothing without its fans. When the going gets tough, it's the fans who are capable of turning things around. Goa's faithful care and the players are very well aware of this.

It creates a passionate atmosphere and players thrive in such conditions. On an average, the Fatorda Stadium in Goa was filled to 92% of its capacity, a testament to the fact that the viewers always show up in numbers.

The fans will play a major role in motivating the men on the pitch and in turn, the players will also be itching to repay the fans' faith.