FC Goa technical director Derrick Pereira is confident and spoke highly of their newly appointed head coach Carlos Pena. An important member of the Gaurs during the best phase in the club’s history, the Spaniard returned to Indian shores after a two-year hiatus - as the new boss.

After Juan Ferrando deserted the club midway through the Hero ISL 2021-22 season, Pereira, an integral part of the setup for years, was handed over the reins till the end of the season. The Gaurs finished at the ninth spot, eventually drawing curtains to an underwhelming outing in the competition. Without wasting much time, the management summoned Pena, a veteran in the circuit, to initiate a turnaround cometh ISL 2022-23.

“I really have no doubts that he’s ready for the job. He knows the Club, he knows the expectations that come with the job at Goa, he has felt the love of the fans, he knows the people and the environment within the club which is so important. He has everyone’s trust,” said Derrick Pereira, as reported by The Print.

“He is a real student of the game and more importantly, he has passion. He has more experience now than I had when I took over. I wish him the best and hopefully step by step FC Goa will be back to where we aspire to be,” he added.

Also Read: Fixture Details: ATK Mohun Bagan’s AFC Cup group stage schedule finalised

Carlos Pena joined FC Goa in 2018, having made vital contributions en-route to the final of the Hero ISL 2018-19, 2019 Hero Super Cup triumph and the Hero ISL 2019-20 Hero ISL League Winners’ Shield win.

In fact, Pena played under Pereira when the latter took charge of the team late in the 2019-20 season. Already known to him from close quarters, the former footballer is optimistic that Pena would guide the team in the right direction.

“The management has chosen Carlos because the positives of him taking over the reins far outweigh any negatives. As a player, he was always one who put the team first. He was a leader in the dressing room and his teammates looked upto him,” remarked Pereira of his former ward,” addressed the FC Goa technical director.

“It’s, of course, going to be a real challenge and a learning experience for him, but he has rich experience having played under at a very high level in Spain and learning from a number of well-renowned coaches.”