A typical hallmark of any title-winning side is their ability to be equally effective at both ends of the pitch. Despite FC Goa’s formidable form in front of goal during the 2017-18 campaign of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), it wasn’t quite enough to bring home silverware.

The Gaurs were the top scorers of the previous campaign with 43 goals, but defensive lapses proved to be their Achilles Heel as they bowed out of the competition in the semi-finals. This time around, Sergio Lobera and Co. will be hoping to learn from their mistakes and deliver a maiden Hero ISL title to the Goa faithful.

TRANSFER INS AND OUTS

The Gaurs have made extensive use of the summer transfer window, bringing in a range of talents to solve some of their issues from last season. Among the Indian contingent, Lenny Rodrigues, Nirmal Chettri and Jackichand Singh will serve as valuable additions to the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Sergio Lobera made it a priority to retain the services of star men such as Ferran Corominas, Hugo Boumous and Ahmed Jahouh, after the departure of Manuel Lanzarote and Pronay Halder to ATK.

In a bid to shore up the defence, Goa have signed experienced Spaniard Carlos Pena and Senegalese centre-back Mourtada Fall. Former Real Madrid player Miguel Palanca Fernandez has been brought in to serve as a replacement for Lanzarote upfront and will be responsible for aiding Corominas in attack.

AT THE HELM

Sergio Lobera will resume his stint as the FC Goa head coach for a second season. The Spaniard impressed during his debut campaign with the Gaurs, transforming his side into the most formidable attacking unit in the league. Under his stewardship, the Gaurs made it all the way to the semi-finals of the campaign, spearheaded by some of the finest attackers in the country.

For his second season, Lobera will be hoping to go a step further. The Gaurs have fared well in their pre-season campaign in Spain, winning four games out of a possible four. They will continue preparations in India before the start of the new campaign.

STRENGTHS

It comes as no surprise to anyone that Goa’s strongest asset is their goal-scoring prowess in front of goal. With the likes of Corominas, Boumous, Brandon Fernandes and Palanca upfront, Lobera’s men look like the team that will lead the goalscoring charts once again.

Corominas established himself as the top marksmen last season with 18 goals — the most by any player in a Hero ISL season. If the forward can replicate his fine form, they will be one of the frontrunners for the crown.

Another factor which will benefit the Gaurs is the retention of most of their senior players. The likes of Mandar Rao Dessai, Ahmed Jahouh and Edu Bedia at the centre of the park will be a welcome sight for the Goa fans.

AREAS OF CONCERN

While Pena and Mourtada have been brought in to tighten up the defence, it remains to be seen how effective they will be during the opening stages of the campaign. Lobera will have to address the cracks in defence soon, if they are to build on last season’s semi-final finish.

With Lanzarote’s shift to ATK, it is yet to be seen who teams up with Corominas up front. Lobera would be expecting the young guns to step up the mettle and aid the Spanish forward in slotting goals home.

SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Lalthuammawia Ralte, Mohammad Nawaz, Laxmikant Kattimani

DEFENDERS: Nirmal Chettri, Chinglensana Singh, Carlos Peña, Seriton Fernandes, Saviour Gama, Mourtada Fall, Lalhmangaihsanga, Mohamed Ali

MIDFIELDERS: Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh, Mandar Rao Dessai, Brandon Fernandes, Miguel Palanca Fernández, Jackichand Singh, Pratesh Shirodkar, Princeton Rebello, Edu Bedia, Lenny Rodrigues, Imran Khan

FORWARDS: Ferran Corominas, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh

FINAL VERDICT

With a plethora of attacking talent on display, it would be hard to argue against Goa staking a claim for the Hero ISL title. The new signings have the experience and know-how to tackle their defensive problems from last year and with the right strategy can ensure Goa become a balanced side. Lobera’s second season in charge promises to be a ripe one for the Goa faithful.

They begin their 2018-19 Hero ISL campaign with a trip to NorthEast United FC on October 1, with their first home encounter being against Mumbai City FC on October 24.

To view their full list of fixtures, click here.