Our aim is to compete for top honours: Carl McHugh | Exclusive Interview

Carl McHugh scored on his debut at FC Goa.

Do you want to read a fairy-tale? We’ll tell you one. Once there was a player contracted to a club, but that club didn’t have him in his plans. He joined another club and scored on his debut and is set to face his former club in the semi-finals of a prestigious competition.

This is the story of Carl McHugh, who once was a heart-throb at Mohun Bagan and also perhaps the most underrated footballer to play in Kolkata. After signing for FC Goa, and ahead of the Durand Cup 2023 semi-final, Khel Now got the opportunity to interact with the midfield maestro!

On the move to FC Goa

Mohun Bagan and Carl McHugh had mutually parted ways after the completion of the 2022-23 season. The midfielder had a few offers on hand, but chose to sign for FC Goa.

McHugh said, “I had an amazing time with Mohun Bagan, and four great years in Kolkata. I felt it was time for a new challenge and a new experience within India. When I became aware of FC Goa’s interest, It was something I was immediately interested in. I thought the club has made some very good signings, and obviously the appointment of coach Manolo Marquez was important. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to represent this club and I will be doing everything in my power to help make it successful.”

Taking the decision

Ever since McHugh landed in India, he played for the Mariners. This is the first time he is shifting base. The midfielder shared about how he took the decision, “I’ve always heard a lot of positive things about Goa from the lads I’ve played with. They spoke about how well the Club treat the players and that it’s a great place to play and live. I would have spoken to Sandesh in the last few weeks, he’s someone I have a good relationship with and enjoyed working with in our time together previously.”

Objectives at FC Goa

Carl McHugh knows Indian football like the back of his palm. He has appeared 70 times across four ISL seasons and is ready to get along with his fifth.

He shared his goals with the club, “Obviously, I want to come here and win trophies. FC Goa is a club that’s been very consistent in terms of success, and that’s something we will be collectively looking to do this season. I do, however, know how difficult this league is, and that we will have to work very hard for everything.

“My focus now is just on building the connection with my teammates and the style of play, training well everyday and getting ready for the season ahead. In terms of what I can bring to the team, I’m a very committed player and I’ve got good experience which can help the team. I’m hungry for more success in this league, and I’m happy with how my debut went in the Durand Cup quarter-final,” he added.

Playing against FC Goa

The 30-year-old has played quite a number of times against his current employers. He iterated his experience from the same.

“Yes, I’ve played against FC Goa a lot in recent years and it’s always a very difficult game. Fatorda is always a tough venue to come and get a result as an opposition player, it will be great to play there for FC Goa now. I’m looking forward to working with coach Manolo and his staff. We’ve also competed a lot against each other in recent years, his team was always hard to play against. He did an incredible job at Hyderabad and I’m sure I will learn a lot from him.”

Durand Cup semi against Mohun Bagan

FC Goa earned a dominating win over Chennaiyin FC in the Durand Cup quarter-finals and now they’ll be facing a strong opponent in Mohun Bagan. Carl McHugh was asked if the win against Chennaiyin FC will act as a confidence booster ahead of this clash.

To which, he said, “Yes, we showed good team spirit and performance against Chennaiyin FC. The next one, the Durand Cup semi-finals against Mohun Bagan Super Giant is also to be a difficult game, but we are focused on improving on our performance from our previous matches.”

He added, “I’m focused on giving my best if I’m selected to play and helping my team. We, as a team, are focused on working on ourselves and becoming the best versions of ourselves.”

Winning the Durand Cup

FC Goa won the prestigious competition in 2021 and will be aiming at replicating the same. McHugh opined, “The aim for my team, and myself, is to compete for the top honours, not only in the Durand Cup but in the rest of the season as well, with the ISL starting in a few weeks from now. Rather than being hopeful about our chances, we hope to perform to the fullest of our capabilities, give it our all on the pitch and return home with nothing less than a win in every match that we play.”

Scoring goals

Despite being a defensive midfielder, Carl McHugh had scored during his stay at Mohun Bagan. And now, he is doing the same in FC Goa colours. In the Durand Cup quarter-finals, which was also his debut for the club, he netted the equalizer for FC Goa.

The Irishman spoke about the same, “Yeah, I’m happy to have made my debut for FC Goa. It was a good game and we showed great team spirit like I mentioned earlier. I’m happy to have contributed as well, to the victory.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.