ISL 2019-20: Former FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera in demand

Former FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera is quite in demand and is unlikely to go job free in India. In fact, The Bridge understands that at least two Indian Super League (ISL) clubs are interested in signing the Spaniard for the upcoming season and are eager to start talks in the coming days.

Ever since news broke that Lobera was handed a termination letter by the Goa management, the two clubs in question started monitoring the situation. Both the ISL clubs have identified him as the man to lead them to glory next season. We are likely to see a fierce fight between the two franchises but it also remains to be seen whether Lobera wants to stay in the ISL or not.

Why was Lobera ask to leave by Goa?

With Lobera at the helm, Goa became the most attractive football club in India, playing exquisite attacking football. They reached the finals of the ISL last season and won the Indian Super Cup, their first title ever. Lobera's style of play and the way he pushed Indian youngsters to excel earned him a huge fan following in the country.

However, the 43-year-old coach, who went through FC Barcelona's youth system back in the day, was asked to step down from his position as the FC Goa head coach. Along with Lobera, his two trusted assistants were also shown the door due to 'long term differences' with the team management.

Naturally, there has been much speculation among Indian football aficionados as to why the shocking decision was taken — ranging from dressing room feuds to even match-fixing allegations. However, it has been learnt, internally a lot of problems were being unnecessarily created. Lobera was given time, but with all the issues, football was taking a backseat and a call had to be taken.