The departure of former head coach Sergio Lobera and team led to the formation of the new coaching team for FC Goa
FC Goa Technical Director Derrick Pereira, Clifford Miranda and Roma Cunillera stepped in to reform the club’s new coaching team followed by the exit of former head coach Sergio Lobera and team. While Clifford Miranda will be appointed as the interim coach under the guidance of Pereira as the team preps for the top position in the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 table and the trophy.
Prior to been appointed as a director last year, Pereira had been a part of the club for the last three seasons, where he was the assistant coach for 17-18. He led FC Goa’s Youth Development, where three of his teams proved victorious. He was also in charge of the India U23 team last year. What made him one of the prominent leaders was his management for Mahindra United, who later went on to win the National Football League in his first season itself. Later he was called in to manage Pune FC, Salgaocar, DSK Shivajians, and Churchill Brothers.
On the other hand, Miranda was appointed as the assistant coach this season while he was in charge of the Developmental Team until last season. Under his leadership, the club won the Goa Pro League with an outstanding performance in the 2nd Division Hero I-League and the Durand Cup. Miranda himself was an ace player during his playing tenure for the Indian National Team midfield and was a part of winning squad for SAFF Championships twice along with the AFC Challenge Cup. He was also a champion at the club level having five domestic league titles under his name with Dempo SC.
Speaking of Roma Cullinera, he has been appointed as the club’s Strength and Conditioning coach. He will also be a part of the team’s planning and executing the daily training sessions of the club. Having him worked under multiple coaches in Spain, his former work profile on his resume includes KAS Eupen under Claudio Makelele in the Belgian 1st Division.
FC Goa President, Akshay Tandon welcomed the appointment saying, “We are confident in the abilities of our coaching staff to lead the team to a successful finish to the 2019-20 campaign. Derrick and Clifford have been with FC Goa for a few years and possess a deep understanding of the club and our philosophy. They have demonstrated the same with their past performances in the First team as well as at the youth levels.”
The team will be executing themselves as a unit as Goa will be having face-off against Hyderabad FC on 5th December at the Fatorda.
