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Few sides have been as consistent in the history of the Indian Super League as FC Goa. Last season was no exception either as the Gaurs managed to qualify for the semi-finals once again. They finished fourth in the league table with seven wins to their name.
FC Goa drew 10 matches and lost only thrice. Goa’s run in the ISL came to a heartbreaking conclusion as they lost 6-5 on penalties to Mumbai City FC in the second leg do the semi-final.
The Gaurs have been among the best teams in the ISL since its inception in 2014. Although they yet to win the title, they have been immensely consistent in the league stages and have qualified for the playoffs in every season except once in 2016.
FC Goa won the 130th edition of the prestigious Durand Cup, which was hosted in Kolkata. Juan Ferrando will be hoping that the silverware further boosts their confidence ahead of the new ISL season, which will be hosted on familiar soil in Goa.
How do things stack up for FC Goa this time?
Ferrando took charge of the Gaurs last season, and it’s fair to say he has delivered well. Expectations were high considering that the managerial seat had been recently vacated by Sergio Lobera. The side’s football has struck a chord with the fans, and they’ve also produced the necessary results.
FC Goa also have an accomplished scouting system that deserves plaudits. Their signings have fired more often than not. In the AFC Champions League, Goa played six matches and drew three of those games against Al Rayyan (twice) and Al Wahda. Considering the gulf in quality, their performances deserved a lot of respect.
FC Goa transfers for 2021/22
FC Goa have pretty much an unchanged setup from last season. They have made a few smart signings to add further quality to their lineup and bench. The core group is essentially the same, and this is likely to add consistency and stability.
The Gaurs decided to bring in Australian centre-back Dylan Fox from NorthEast United. They also signed Spanish centre-forward Airam Cabrera to replenish their attack. Goa have also signed a couple of exciting Indian talents in Anwar Ali and Muhammed Nemil Valiyattil. They also have a strong youth program and several promising youngsters are likely to see minutes this season.
Igor Angulo, who won the Golden Boot in ISL last season, has parted ways with the club. He has been picked up by Mumbai City FC. The latter have also signed goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz to replace departing keeper Amrinder Singh. Promising talents Seiminlen Doungel and Ishan Pandita have left for Jamshedpur FC, while Sarineo Fernandes and Romeo Fernandes were signed by East Bengal.
Arrivals
| Name | Position | From |
| Dylan Fox | CB | Northeast United |
| Airam Cabrera | CF | Wisla Plock |
| Nongdamba Naorem | CF | Kerala Blasters |
| Anwar Ali | CB | Delhi (loan) |
| Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte | LB | promoted |
| Manushawn Fernandes | CB | Club of Manora |
| Danstan Fernandes | ATM | Dempo SC |
| Kunal Kundaikar | DF | SC de Goa |
Departures
| Name | Position | To |
| Amarjit Singh | CDM | East Bengal |
| Mohammad Nawaz | GK | Mumbai City FC |
| Igor Angulo | CF | Mumbai City FC |
| Seiminlen Doungel | LW | Jamshedpur FC |
| Phrangki Buam | ATM | Mohammedan |
| Ishan Pandita | CF | Jamshedpur FC |
| Sarineo Fernandes | LB | East Bengal |
| Romeo Fernandes | RW | East Bengal |
| Aaren D’Silva | FW | Hyderabad FC |
| Shubham Dhas | GK | Neroca FC |
FC Goa squad for 2021/22
Goalkeepers: Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Naveen Kumar, Hrithik Tiwari.
Defenders: Ivan Gonzalez, Dylan Fox, Aibanbha Dohling, Saviour Gama, Seriton Fernandes, Sanson Pereira, Leander D’Cunha, Anwar Ali, Manushawn Fernandes, Mohamed Ali, Kunal Kundaikar, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte.
Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Glan Martins, Edu Bedia, Alberto Noguera, Princeton Rebello, Muhammed Nemil Valiyattil, Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Christy Davis, Jorge Ortiz, Nestor Dias, Delton Colaco, Nongdamba Naorem, Danstan Fernandes, Redeem Tlang, Makan Winkle Chote, Brison Fernandes.
Forwards: Airam Cabrera, Devendra Murgaonkar, Flan Gomes.
Prediction
When it comes to proper scouting and making smart signings, there are few better clubs in the business than FC Goa. Fans can expect the new signings to make an immediate impact. A big plus for the Gaurs this season is that they have a relatively unchanged core group and manager Juan Ferrando already knows and trusts his players. FC Goa also have immense squad depth with every position covered with enough players.
With that being said, the departure of Igor Angulo could prove to be a headache for the Gaurs. They are known for playing attacking football and utilizing the flanks. As such, FC Goa desperately need a clinical striker to put chances away. Airam Cabrera’s signing casts a shadow of a doubt as his record over the last two years doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
However, if Cabrera discovers his scoring shoes with the Orange Army, Goa can expect yet another fruitful season. Don’t be surprised if they finish as one of the top two sides in the league stage and then go all the way to lift their maiden ISL trophy this time around.
