List of FC Goa coaches and their performance in ISL

FC Goa became the first Indian club to qualify for the AFC Champions League in the 2019-20 season.

FC Goa, one of the founding franchises of the Indian Super League (ISL), have already established themselves as one of the prominent clubs in Indian football. Representing the footballing culture of Goa, the Gaurs have been a consistent contender in the ISL, earning various accolades in Indian Football like the ISL League Winners’ Shield, Indian Super Cup and Durand Cup.

Manolo Marquez’s side are currently sitting third in the league, actively competing for the title. However, before Marquez, FC Goa have been guided by several head coaches who helped them to become one of the most successful clubs in India.

Here’s a list of the managers who have taken charge of the Gaurs since their inception in 2014.

Zico (September 2014 – December 2016)

Total Matches: 47

Won: 18

Draw: 11

Lost: 18

Average Points per Match: 1.38

Best Finish: Runners-up (2015)

Worst Finish: 8th place (2016)

Average Finish: 4th place

Best Signing: Joffre Mateu

Biggest Signing: Robert Pires

Worst Signing: Ranti Martins

Best Performing Foreigner: Joffre Mateu

Best Performing Indian: Romeo Fernandes

Trophies: None

Zico, the Brazilian football legend, served as the head coach for FC Goa from 2014 to 2016. Under his tenure, FC Goa reached the semifinals in the inaugural season and finished as runners-up in 2015. Zico was one of the icons of the league, with a vision of developing Indian talent.

Indian proteges like Mandar Rao Desai and Romeo Fernandes blossomed under his guidance, with Zico even facilitating Romeo’s loan move to Atletico Paranaense in Brazil. However, Zico’s journey with FC Goa came to an end after a bottom-place finish in the league in 2016.

Sergio Lobera (July 2017 – February 2020)

Total Matches: 60

Won: 33

Draw: 11

Lost: 16

Average Points per Match: 1.83

Best Finish: League Winners’ Shield (2019-20)

Worst Finish: 3rd place (2017-18)

Average Finish: 2nd place

Best Signing: Ferran Corominas

Biggest Signing: Manuel Lanzarote

Worst Signing: Mark Sifneos

Best Performing Foreigner: Ferran Corominas

Best Performing Indian: Brandon Fernandes

Trophies: Super Cup (2019), League Winners’ Shield (2019-20)

Sergio Lobera managed FC Goa in the ISL from 2017 to 2020. The Spanish coach, renowned for his attacking football philosophy, transformed Goa into a powerhouse celebrated for their possession-based, free-flowing style of play.

Lobera guided the team to the ISL finals in 2018-19 and secured the Super Cup in 2019. In 2020, he achieved a historic milestone by leading FC Goa to the league winners’ shield, earning them a spot in the AFC Champions League. Lobera later joined Mumbai City FC, where he won the ISL Shield and led them to their first ISL title. His journey in Indian football continues with Odisha FC this season.

Juan Ferrando (April 2020 – December 2021)

Total Matches: 40

Won: 15

Draw: 15

Lost: 10

Average Points per Match: 1.50

Best Finish: 4th place (2020-21)

Worst Finish: 4th place (2020-21)

Average Finish: 4th place

Best Signing: Jorge Ortiz

Biggest Signing: Igor Angulo

Worst Signing: Dheeraj Singh

Best Performing Foreigner: Jorge Ortiz

Best Performing Indian: Saviour Gama

Trophies: Durand Cup (2021)

Juan Ferrando, another Spanish coach, took charge of FC Goa in 2020. Following the departure of the club’s most successful manager, Sergio Lobera, Ferrando faced the challenge of maintaining Goa’s ambitions and keeping them in title contention.

Despite these challenges, he led the team to the semifinals of the Indian Super League (ISL) and won the Durand Cup in the 2020-21 season. However, Ferrando’s time at FC Goa ended after the 2020-21 season when he moved to ATK Mohun Bagan, where he won the Indian Super League title, solidifying his legacy in Indian football.

Carlos Pena (April 2022 – March 2023)

Total Matches: 23

Won: 10

Draw: 3

Lost: 10

Average Points per Match: 1.43

Best Finish: 7th place (2022-23)

Worst Finish: 7th place (2022-23)

Average Finish: 7th place

Best Signing: Noah Sadaoui

Biggest Signing: Iker Guarrotxena

Worst Signing: Hernan Santana

Best Performing Foreigner: Noah Sadaoui

Best Performing Indian: Anwar Ali

Trophies: None

Carlos Pena, a former Spanish footballer, became the head coach of FC Goa in 2022. After a successful playing career with the club, Peña took on the managerial role during a challenging period. However, his stint was below expectations, as the team finished in a disappointing 7th place in the league table, securing only a mid-table finish. Pena left the club after the season.

Manolo Marquez (June 2023 – Present)

Total Matches: 44

Won: 25

Draw: 10

Lost: 9

Average Points per Match: 1.93

Best Finish: 3rd place (2023-24)

Worst Finish: 3rd place (2023-24)

Average Finish: 3rd place

Best Signing: Armando Sadiku

Biggest Signing: Armando Sadiku

Best Performing Foreigner: Noah Sadaoui

Best Performing Indian: Brandon Fernandes

Manolo Marquez is known for his balanced tactical approach, focusing on solid defensive organization, quick transitions, fluidity and effective counter-attacking play.

This tactical stability led to Márquez being appointed as the manager of the Indian Football Team. He works to integrate young talents and experienced players, aiming to restore FC Goa to the top of Indian football, a process that continues to this day.

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