ISL 2019-20: Who will replace Sergio Lobera as FC Goa head coach?

As reported, Spaniard Sergio Lobera is on the verge of leaving Indian Super League (ISL) outfit FC Goa after being sacked by the club management. However, now, the question arises as to who will take charge of the Gaurs at such a crucial juncture of the season.

The Bridge understands that the Goa-based club is likely to issue a statement sooner rather than later confirming the development. According to our sources, the management is still unsure of the replacement for Lobera but are likely to propose the name of Derrick Pereira. However, given the league and FSDL's strict policy about onboarding head coaches, the matter, in this case, could become more complicated for the club to convince the league as Pereira is a youth development director at the club and not an assistant coach.

As the Gaurs fight to secure a spot in the AFC Champions League by finishing on top of the table and then, possibly, go on to lift the elusive ISL title, news of Lobera's sacking came as a shock for many. But with tensions rising within the club regarding the coach's relationship with the players and the management, a decision had to be taken.

It remains to be seen how the entire saga unfolds and if, at all, Goa manage to stave off ATK FC and Bengaluru FC's stiff challenge and stay on top of the table when the league ends.