I have no doubt that we will build a strong team – FC Goa’s head coach Carlos Pena

FC Goa’s Carlos Pena has reunited with the club but this time he will take the mantle as the head coach. Pena had retired back in 2019 and since then he has been doing coaching stints. The 44-year-old led Albacete Balompie to the top position in the Primera Division RFEF in Spain and will look to replicate the same success with FC Goa.

The veteran has all the experience under his belt and he will look to get the best out of the players. As Pena has the exposure of playing with some of the Gaur’s players, he will know how to get them on the right track. Furthermore, being a former player of the same club, he will be aware of the dressing room atmosphere.

Meanwhile, FC Goa had a disappointing run in Hero ISL 2021-22 season as they managed only four wins in 20 matches to finish at the ninth place in the standings, and thus they could not qualify for the semifinals. Thus, Carlos Pena will be determined to turn the tables in the next season.

Speaking to the Times of India, Pena said, “As a player, I enjoyed having the ball, trying to attack, keeping possession, and being part of an offensive team. This is how I see and feel about football. I like teams that try to recover the ball fast and attack. This is how I’ve enjoyed football and this is the way I will make Goa play. I have no doubt that we will build a strong team, and work with the values of FC Goa which I am fully aware of. It’s time to look to the future.”

It will be a crucial off-season for the Gaurs as they will try to get the right players for the next season.

Speaking about his relationship with the players, the Spaniard said, “We have to build a new relationship. We have fought together as teammates and now we will fight again. I am in a new role as a coach, and they are in the same role as players. That should not be a problem. In fact, I have an advantage since I know them. I know their potential, what they are capable of, and how they react inside the dressing room. My goal is to make the players better.”

Meanwhile, FC Goa had qualified for the semis in Hero ISL 2020-21 season but the last edition was hampered after Juan Ferrando decided to join ATK Mohun Bagan. Moreover, injury woes added salt to their wounds.

Pena said, “I think the first season was a good season, qualifying for the semis and being eliminated by Mumbai City FC only on penalties. They were very close to fighting for the title with a new coach, and new players. After that, Goa did very well in the AFC Champions League. This season, the influence of coach Juan Ferrando leaving was tough. It’s not easy when you are in the bio-bubble and the coach leaves. The new coach has little time to adapt. There were injuries too. But all this is what I observed from the outside.”