FC Goa technical director Derrick Pereira completely believes in the club’s new head coach Carlos Pena, who has been an icon for the Gaurs even during his playing days. Pereira feels that Pena’s prior experience as a player will help him understand what the club wants from him as a head coach. He therefore has lent his vote of confidence to the Spaniard.
Speaking on Pena’s appointment, Pereira said, “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.”
Pereira feels that under Pena, FC Goa has all the ingredients to be back to where they belong in the Indian Super League. After a rough season, they need someone to steady the ship and the club feels Pena will be the man for the Gaurs.
“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.”
Pereira’s career also went into the same trajectory as he hung up his boots after an illustrious playing career to take up a coaching role. The Goan legend took charge of the Salgaocar U19 for a brief period before being handed over the rule for Vasco SC in 2000 – the team qualifying for the I-League during his spell as head coach.
“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 up to him,” shared Pereira who has seen Carlos Pena from close quarters.
However, Pereira also warns Pena of the challenges that will come in front of him during the course of the upcoming season. He wants him to be ready to face all of them. “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.”
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