Hindsight: Edu Bedia – leading the Gaurs from the front
Perseverance and patience pays off for Redeem as he finally struck for the Gaurs
Goa, March 3, 2021: FC Goa assured themselves of a fourth successive place in the Hero ISL playoffs this Sunday. The Gaurs eked out a goalless draw last Sunday – their first in 51 games to book themselves the last spot in the semis this season.
Leading the charge this season has been Edu Bedia. The midfielder has been instrumental in the blueprint that Juan Ferrando drew up in his very first season at the helm. In his first season as club captain, the Spaniard has become the pivotal man in the middle of the park.
He leads the league in passes, helping the Gaurs control the tempo and directing the game as per their comforts.
With a host of new names and a short pre-season, the start wasn’t the smoothest. However, to rebuild on the go and make the playoffs yet again has been a testament of its own. Looking back at the campaign, Bedia described how the journey has been so far.
“It has been a difficult season, we started as a very young team with many new faces. However, with a lot of work that was put in by all, we have become the team that plays the best football and one of the best in terms of competing with all,” Bedia elaborated.
“The mentality that we have had throughout the season has been the same. All we have looked to do is work hard and improve every day. It hasn’t changed one bit. Putting in the grind was the only way we could have achieved success. And I am proud of the team for having been able to.”
Bedia’s fortunes have fluctuated in previous years. Whilst he was pivotal to the cause in the first two seasons in FC Goa colours, his appearances were sporadic last time around with nagging injuries showing up time and again.
This year, he has been omnipresent. And that, in turn, has led to more consistent performances from the Spaniard.
“Without a doubt, I am having my best season in the ISL. I have played in the position that I like the most and where I feel I can help the team the most,” the Spaniard opined. “I am feeling excellent physically, and I am looking forward to playing the ISL playoffs and the AFC Champions League.
January saw the Gaurs being busy in the transfer market with four new faces, viz. Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Adil Khan, Glan Martins and Amarjit Singh Kiyam joining the squad. That meant for even more rejig in the squad. Bedia, however, feels that the signings have made FC Goa a much better team than to start the season.
“The truth is that it has been pretty straightforward in terms of integrating them into the system,” exclaimed the skipper. “The players who have joined this winter have strengthened us a lot. I think that with Glan, Adil, Amarjit and Dheera,j we are a stronger team.”
And now comes Mumbai.
The semi-finals have brought about an intriguing fixture as the Gaurs will look to get the better of a familiar foe and some familiar faces as they look to book their place in the ISL final for the third time.
Mumbai City FC has enjoyed success this season with a number of former Gaurs in their ranks and the reins being in the hands of former FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera.
For FC Goa, they will be missing a number of key players in the first leg owing to injuries and suspension. Bedia though remains unfazed in the face of the challenge on hand.
“I am pretty relaxed if you ask me because we work as a team. The team – the union of all of us, not only the players but also the coaching staff and other staff – that’s our true strength. We are a family where everyone will go to battle for each other. That’s our real strength. And when you have that, nothing scares you,” added the 31-year-old.
“We don’t care which eleven comes out to play. We all know what we have to do. We might some absences for the first game, but we have players who are prepared to replace them. Whoever plays, we will be the same team as always.”
CREDITS: FC GOA MEDIA
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Lads from the National Capital relish Hero I-League opportunity with Sudeva Delhi FC
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
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…
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…
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…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
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…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
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…