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Heading into their tenth season of existence, FC Goa have been meticulously preparing for the upcoming campaign in the Indian Super League (ISL). Once the hallmark name for consistency, reaching four semifinals and two finals in seven seasons, the Gaurs failed to match their standards in the last two seasons where they finished ninth and seventh, respectively.
This time, however, there is much to hope for. The Club’s summer transfer activities and impressive performances in the pre-season have set the stage for an exciting and promising journey in the upcoming league season.
A New Dawn: Marquez at the Helm
The summer months were an exciting time for FC Goa as they underwent significant changes and added new faces to their roster. The first significant shift happened with the coaching staff, following the introduction of Head Coach Manolo Marquez and his experienced team of Benito Felix Montalvo – the Technical Coordinator, Jose Carlos Barroso – the Strength and Conditioning Coach and Asier Rey Santin – the Goalkeeping Coach.
The four of them worked together at Hyderabad FC, where they helped the team lift the ISL Cup in the 2021-22 season in what was truly a remarkable result. The following season, the Nizams also reached the playoffs under their expert guidance.
By roping in Marquez and co, the Gaurs have openly displayed their ambition and commitment to achieving new heights and success in the upcoming season. Gouramangi Singh will continue as the team’s Assistant Coach.
New Faces, New Hopes: Stellar Summer Signings
In their pursuit of excellence, FC Goa also executed a squad overhaul over the summer, securing notable signings during the transfer window. Udanta Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Raynier Fernandes, Rowllin Borges, Boris Singh, Jay Gupta and Narayan Das are the Club’s new domestic recruits.
Paulo Retre, Carlos Martinez, Victor Rodriguez, Carl McHugh and Odei Onaindia also joined the Gaurs’ ranks to complete the quota of foreigners alongside Noah Sadaoui, thereby fortifying the team’s arsenal and creating a potent mix of skill and experience.
Dominance in Durand Cup 2023
The Durand Cup 2023 became the canvas upon which FC Goa painted their footballing prowess for the first time this season. They started their group stage campaign by displaying their mettle with an impressive 6-0 victory over Shillong Lajong FC. This commanding performance was followed by a hard-fought 2-2 draw against NorthEast United FC and a resounding 3-0 win over Downtown Heroes FC.
The Gaurs’ quarter-final clash with Chennaiyin FC further illustrated their might as they secured a convincing 4-1 triumph. The semi-final match against Mohun Bagan Super Giant was a fiercely contested battle, and although it resulted in a narrow 1-2 loss for Marquez and his boys, it clearly showcased their resilience and competitive spirit which they will surely look to build on in the coming weeks.
Pre-Season Friendlies: A Prelude to Glory
Leading up to the season, FC Goa also engaged in a series of pre-season friendlies.
Showcasing tactical prowess and skill, the Gaurs underscored their readiness for the challenges ahead with a commanding 4-1 victory against Dempo SC, a hard-fought 1-0 win against Gokulam Kerala FC and an impressive 4-1 victory against Inter Kashi FC.
Summary of Pre-Season Performance
In a total of eight pre-season matches, FC Goa exhibited remarkable form, netting an impressive 25 goals and conceding just 7. With an enviable record of six wins, one draw, and a solitary loss, FC Goa demonstrated their dominance in the pre-season friendlies, setting an optimistic tone for the upcoming ISL campaign.
The Star Performers
The goal-scoring charts were a testament to the team’s attacking prowess. Building further from what was a remarkable 2022-23 season where he scored 11 goals along with providing nine assists, Noah Sadaoui emerged as the leading scorer this pre-season with an astounding eight goals.
Six of those goals came in the Durand Cup where he played all five games. The 30-year-old was also adjudged joint-top-scorer of the tournament.
Sadaoui was closely followed by Carlos Martinez and Victor Rodriguez, both contributing significantly with four goals each. The attacking flair extended across the team, with Rowllin Borges and Muhammed Nemil displaying their skills with three and two goals, respectively.
Key Takeaways and Hope for the Future
The blend of new signings with established players has formed a cohesive unit at FC Goa, displaying strength across all facets of the game. In addition to the technical and tactical aspects of the game where the Gaurs fared well, the team’s camaraderie and determination are also encouraging indicators for their upcoming ISL campaign.
The pre-season has been instrumental in shaping FC Goa’s tactical acumen and team dynamics. The squad has displayed grit, adaptability, and exceptional teamwork, providing fans with a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming ISL season.
Conclusion
As the Indian Super League season kicks off, FC Goa extend a warm invitation to its passionate fans to be part of the electrifying action at the stadium.
With the first two league matches – against Punjab FC and Odisha FC on October 2 and October 7, respectively – set to happen at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, the Gaurs’ faithful also have a remarkable opportunity to welcome their favourite stars and watch and cheer for them from close quarters as they gear up to kickstart their league campaign in grand fashion.
