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ISL: Can Manolo Marquez's FC Goa overcome pre-season injury setbacks?

FC Goa will strive for the Shield and League titles after finishing third last season.

ISL: Can Manolo Marquezs FC Goa overcome pre-season injury setbacks?
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FC Goa are ready for an exciting season in the Indian Super League 2024-25. (Photo Credit: FC Goa)

By

Deepanshu Jain

Published: 17 Sep 2024 7:13 AM GMT

FC Goa are one of ISL's oldest clubs and have been a consistent side in the league since its inception. Last year, the team made a top-three finish after a couple of poor seasons.

The Gaurs will be eager to better their performance this season under Manolo Marquez, the head coach of the Indian national team, and will fight for the league championship title.

FC Goa made a promising start to the ongoing season as they won the 2024 Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy, where they caught the limelight after a big victory against A-League Club, Brisbane Roar in the group stage.

Active Transfer Window

FC Goa were quite active this season in the transfer window and bought more than ten players to rebuild their team's core strength. One of the marquee signings for Goa in the summer transfer window was the Albanian striker Armando Sadiku.

They also signed explosive Spanish attacking midfielders, Borja Herrera and Iker Guarrotxena to boost their attacking prowess. Goa also included a few experienced Indian players like, Rowlin Borges and Laxmikant Kattimani.

Injury concerns

Manolo will hope his first team players recover from the major injury concerns. Otherwise, it could affect their chances. The biggest injury concern for the team is Indian international, centre-back Sandesh Jhingan.

They will also miss a few of their attacking players like the Spaniard Iker Guarrotxena and the exciting Indian winger, Mohammed Yasir, and the youngster Alan Saji.

Carl McHugh, the centre-back from Ireland, will return to the side after an injury break, and might not be included in the starting line-up for the first few games.

Players to watch out for

Armando Sadiku: This season, FC Goa bought the Albanian international, Armando Sadiku, from Mohun Bagan, who is expected to play the most crucial role for the club this season in the forward line.

He had an impressive outing in his debut ISL season last year, scoring eight goals for Mohun Bagan SG. Sadiku also had a good outing in the pre-season tournament with FC Goa, helping them to win the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy.

Udanta Singh: The experienced Indian winger is also expected to play a crucial role in the team, especially after a couple of injury concerns in the forward line. This is his second season with the club and will be eager to improve his performance.

Odei Onaindia: As Sandesh has not yet recovered from his injury, most of the defending duty will depend on the experienced Spanish defender, known for his timely tackles. He will also lead the team while defending the set-pieces.

Youngsters to look for:

Jay Gupta: The explosive left back, Jay Gupta, was the find of the season for FC Goa last year. He not only helped the team in the defence but also has a knack for delivering precise crosses for the attackers.

He also scored two goals last season for the team, which eventually caught the eyes of the Indian selectors, and he got his maiden call-up to the national team.

Boris Singh: Another youngster who impressed last season was Boris Singh, he scored three goals for the club last season and is famous for his speedy runs down the wings. He will provide able support to Udanta on the right flank.

Ayush Dev Chhetri: The 21-year-old defensive midfielder is one of the youngest members of the team. He is also good at creating counter-attacks with his long balls.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Bob Jackson Raj, Hrithik Tiwari, Lara Sharma, Laxmikant Kattimani

Defenders: Aakash Sangwan, Jay Gupta, Muhammad Hammad, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Odei Oniaindia, Sanatomba Singh Yanglem, Sandesh Jhingan, Seriton Fernandes.

Midfielders: Ayush Dev Chhetri, Boris Singh Thangjam, Borja Herrera Gonzalez, Brison Fernandes, Carl Mchugh, Dejan Drazic, Sahil Tavora, Iker Guarrotxena, Lalthangliana Lalvenkima, Malsawmtluanga Lalsanglianan, Mohammad Yasir, Muhammed Nemil Valiyattil, Rowllin Borges, Udanta Singh Kumam, Vellington Marcos Fernandes

Forwards: Alan Saji, Armando Sadiku.

What to expect

FC Goa are known for their attacking play and also have the record of scoring the most number of goals in the history of the Indian Super League at 346 and also own the record of the most number of shots taken.

They always have one out-and-out marquee foreign striker in their team, who works in synchronization with the team's strategy of building from the back. This year, they will hope Sadiku plays that role for them.

Manolo Marquez has built a solid team this season and will strive for the Shiled and the league title.

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