Juan Ferrando is all set to take over the reins of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 Shield winners FC Goa from the upcoming 2020-21 season, the club announced on Thursday. The 39-year-old Spaniard will also be leading the Gaurs to their first AFC Champions League group-stage appearance in the next season, something which they earned after topping the league table in the recently concluded edition.

During his playing days, Ferrando started off at Espanyol’s youth academy before injuries forced him to quit football at the age of 18. However, he continued his association with the sport, becoming the head coach of Spanish outfit CE Premia in 2009. 

After handling a number of other clubs in the lower tiers of Spanish football including the reserve team of Malaga, Ferrando had his first taste of professional success in Moldova with Sheriff Tiraspol in 2013, helping them win the Moldovan Super Cup in his first and only season in charge. In 2017, he signed for newly formed Greek side Volos FC, helping them to two consecutive promotions. He was also named the best head coach by the Greek Football Association in the 2017-18 season.

The Spaniard head coach brings in an attacking brand of football, one that the Goa faithful are used to seeing over the past six seasons. The Gaurs will be hopeful that Ferrando will lead the Gaurs into a new era and help them win the elusive Hero ISL trophy.

Ferrando will be replacing former interim coach Clifford Miranda who had been managing the team, after Sergio Lobera and the club mutually parted ways earlier this year.