ISL 2019-20: FC Goa name Sergio Lobera replacement

Technical Director Derrick Pereira, along with Clifford Miranda and Roma Cunillera have taken charge as the coaching team for FC Goa. The team takes up the reins as the Gaurs fight for the top spot and the coveted ISL trophy. Clifford Miranda will be the interim coach under the mentorship of Derrick Pereira.

Also Read: Who will replace Sergio Lobera as FC Goa head coach?

Derrick Pereira has been with the club for the last three

seasons, serving as the Assistant Coach in 2017/18 before taking up the role of

the Technical Director last season. In this role, he headed FC Goa’s Youth

Development, with three of his teams finishing as Champions. He was also in

charge of the India U23 team last year. He has previously managed Mahindra

United, winning the National Football League in his maiden season. That

established him as one of the premier coaches of the country as he went on to

manage Pune FC, Salgaocar, DSK Shivajians and Churchill Brothers.

Clifford Miranda has been the Assistant Coach this season

and was in charge of the Developmental Team till last season. Under his charge,

the young Gaurs won the Goa Pro League whilst putting in impressive

performances in the 2nd Division League and the Durand Cup. Clifford has been

one of the mainstays of the Indian National Team midfield winning the SAFF

Championships twice along with the AFC Challenge Cup. He has been equally

successful at the Club level with 5 League titles under his belt with Dempo SC.

Spaniard Roma Cullinera, meanwhile, has been appointed as

the Club’s Strength & Conditioning Coach. The Spaniard will also help the

team in planning and facilitating the day to day training sessions of the club.

Having worked under various coaches in Spain, he was last working for KAS Eupen

under Claudio Makelele in the Belgian 1st Division.

Club 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 trio face their first challenge when the Gaurs take on

Hyderabad FC on 5th February at Fatorda.