Will squad depth make or break FC Goa this season?

It all boils down to many reasons in mid-season when the same is tested amidst injuries and suspensions. 

FC Goa made a few notable transfers like Alvaro Vazquez and Fares Arnaout, but only one of them is ISL-proven. Apart from the former Blasters striker, Noah Sadaoui and Iker Guarrotxena are the only notable incomings. That, however, barely matches the window that Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan FC had.  

More importantly, the Gaurs have an unequal distribution of foreign expertise in their roster. Let us now go over a few factors that might decide if squad depth will make or break FC Goa this season:

Indian contingent stepping up their game in midfield and defence

Glan Martins being fielded as a centre-back in Goa’s dominant 3-0 victory against title holders Jamshedpur FC was an experiment that yielded positive results. Carlos Pena was riddled with a dilemma as Fares Arnaout went off with an adductor injury in the opening minutes. He took a gamble and fielded the Indian defensive midfielder in his stead. The move accordingly worked wonders as the Gaurs showcased immense fluidity in passing, pressing and transitions.

Ayush Dev Chhetri also shifted up a few gears as he worked tirelessly to cover the spaces behind Edu Bedia. The 19-year-old also snuffed out any attacks alongside Martins. 

Similarly, defenders Aiban Dohling, Seriton Fernandes, and Saviour Gama must form an understanding with their more positionally rigid teammates. While Aiban has been fielded at left-back, Seriton and Saviour Gama have often had to play the classic full-back roles. Especially when they come up against the likes of ATKMB and Mumbai City, the wing-backs and centre-back duo will be tested to their maximum.

Goa’s traditional high-octane play must be curbed at times to accommodate the threat of these teams with an electric pace down the flanks. The Gaurs must quietly persevere as they look for the perfect opportunity to strike back. 

And with the unequal distribution of foreign expertise in defence and midfield, the Indian contingent is of paramount importance. Additionally, it’s more likely that Noah Sadaoui, Iker Guarrotxena, and Alvaro Vazquez all start. In that case, Redeem Tlang and Brison have to wait in the frays for a substitute appearance, ready to make an impact.

Smart business in the winter transfer window

Fans have had mixed feelings about FC Goa’s transfer business at the start of the season. While Alvaro Vazquez’s exciting transfer has not exactly gone according to plan, Noah has lit up the league. Similarly, with the inconsistencies in performances of the defence and midfield, the management is bound to be confused about the exact nature of recruits needed.

One of the more welcome moves in this aspect would be loan moves for youngsters like Leslie Rebello, Princeton Rebello and Lalremruata. Getting the youngsters more game time would ensure that they don’t depend on an already experimental set-up in the first team. Consequently, Carlos Pena will be spared the headache of having to field youngsters alongside experienced foreigners.

Another intelligent move would be to allow either Guarrotxena or Valiente to swap the orange of the Gaurs for a short while and bring in a foreign midfielder. Edu Bedia would surely be relieved of the excessive pressure on him to be the lone playmaker in midfield while also intercepting passing lanes.

Pena’s man-management and rotational tactics

While this is the former left-back’s debut managerial season, his league experience should give him an edge over other debutants like Aidy Boothroyd. Carlos Pena will now have to focus on managing hot-headed players like Leander D’Cunha and flamboyant personalities like Edu Bedia.

Moreover, he is yet to find a consistent formula to win games and keep clean sheets. Injuries and niggles to various important starters have also got the Spaniard scratching his head in despair. Although most of his setups have worked so far, FC Goa’s unbalanced squad depth matters in this aspect. Hence it remains to be seen how the mentor will utilise the same to help the Gaurs uncover their potential.