Here’s what Lobera said ahead of FC Goa’s crunch semifinal clash
Goa, March 6, 2019: Under the reins of Sergio Lobera, FC Goa will be playing in the playoffs for the second
consecutive season. The club has come a long way from the third season where they finished at the
bottom of the table. Along the way, the Gaurs have been able to etch their mark on the league in terms
of their style of play whilst toppling records.
A team known for their flair going forward, FC Goa has set the benchmark in terms of goals scored by a
team in a single season (43) thanks to Coro, who bagged himself 18, and thus creating a record for goals
scored by a player in a single season.
The second season saw the Gaurs move into the next gear. Not only had the team finished with the
highest number of goals, the best goal difference and the best home record, but also topped the league
in terms of clean sheets.
And Sergio Lobera has no doubts in stating as to where all the credit should go. “It’s the players who
have to be given the credit. They are the real stars and the ones who bring to life our style of play,”
stated Lobera in the post-match press conference following the last league game.
The FC Goa stars have truly delivered, again!
The message
Standing behind the team always has been a wall of orange. Goa’s love for football has yet again shone
through this season as the Fatorda Stadium has been packed to the rafters for most of the games.
Meanwhile, the away trips have also seen fans from across the state travel to cheer on their favourite
names.
Sergio Lobera has time and again stated the importance of the fans in the success of the team.
Talking about the fans ahead of the semi-finals, Sergio Lobera stated, “The only word I want to say to
the fans is ‘thank you.’ All the travels they undertake and trips they make; I know doesn’t come cheap.
But with them there, we never feel alone.
“This year, I think we have been able to give our supporters a lot many reasons to smile,” Lobera added.
“Now I have only one request to make to the fans. In the second leg of the semi-final, in the game we
play at home, I want it to be completely packed and full.
“I know fully well that the game is not on a weekend but on a weekday but I would still request our
supporters to make an effort to come to the stadium.”
The FC Goa style of play has found a soft corner not only in the hearts of fans around India but also
across the league with managers of other teams also appreciating the flair with which the Gaurs take to
the field.
John Gregory recently claimed the Gaurs to be favorites to win the title while Nelo Vingada came into
the Goa dressing following the win over Kerala Blasters to congratulate the team he feels “is the best I
have come up against”.
However, no longer wet behind the ear, the Gaurs as well as Sergio Lobera know that the playoffs are a
totally different ball game. But, with the fans behind the team, everything is possible.
About FC Goa
FC Goa is a professional football club based out of Goa that competes in the Indian Super League. The
club is one of the most consistently successful teams in the competition. The Gaurs have reached the
semis in two occasions and the final in 2015. FC Goa is currently the highest scoring side in league
history.
Co-owned by Mr Jaydev Mody, Mr Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Mr Ashish Kapadia, Mr Akshay Tandon and
MrViratKohli, the club has over the years produced talents such as Mandar Rao Desai, Princeton Rebello
and Manvir Singh who have represented India at various age levels as well as the senior team.
Also Read: Manzi praises Indian brigade ahead of title decider
Also Read: More from AIFF on the Real Kashmir-Minerva cancellation fiasco
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…