Year in review 2021, FC Goa: A tale of ups and downs
It has been a year of highs and lows for FC Goa, with them registering a top-four finish in the Hero Indian Super League 2020-21 despite a large chunk of their core players migrating to other clubs ahead of the 2021-22 season. However, with suitable reinforcement and an equally able manager, the Gaurs were destined to carry their legacy forward.
It has been a year of highs and lows for FC Goa, with them registering a top-four finish in the Hero Indian Super League 2020-21 despite a large chunk of their core players migrating to other clubs ahead of the 2021-22 season. However, with suitable reinforcement and an equally able manager, the Gaurs were destined to carry their legacy forward.
It was a late hiccup that jolted the FC Goa camp. Licking its wounds from a poor start to the season, head coach Juan Ferrando flocked to greener pastures as fellow Hero ISL side ATK Mohun Bagan raided the Gaurs’ camp in broad daylight. Derrick Perreira, a man who knows in and out regarding the pool of talents at their disposal, has been appointed at the helm to take over the situation.
FC Goa’s 2021 in numbers: Pl: 33, W:11, D14:, L:8, Win%: 33.33%
The Gaurs have had one one of their worst starts to the Hero ISL this season, having won just two out of their eight matches so far. The Gaurs are ending the year at the 9th spot in the league table with just 8 points in their kitty in as many matches.
The High:
For an Indian team making their debut in the AFC Champions League, FC Goa were more than impressive, having remained unbeaten against one of the top Qatari sides - Al Rayyan. Smashing all the teams on their path to a maiden Durand Cup title added the silverware they deserved in the eventful year.
The Low:
The disappointing start to their ISL 2021-22 campaign, with the departure of their head coach in the middle of the season making things worse for them.
Best Player:
Alberto Noguera: The Spanish midfielder has been a live wire in the midfield, forming a lethal partnership with compariot Edu Bedia. With nine goal contributions in the previous edition of the Hero ISL, he was expected to continue the same this season as well. Noguera did not disappoint, having scored two goals and providing an assist so far.
What to expect:
As things stand, a top-four finish is highly unlikely unless FC Goa pull off something spectacular. Having lost just once in their last five matches of the calendar year is definitely something the Gaurs would like to build on. Perreira, who has worked so closely with the team for several years, is their best bet to pull the side out of a puddle and initiate a rescue mission for a respectable finish.
