Indian Super League 2020-21 Season Review: FC Goa

The Gaurs had an impressive ISL campaiign despite the fact that they bowed out to Mumbai City in the semi-finals.

FC Goa surely made their mark in the recently concluded seventh edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). They managed to qualify for the playoffs as the fourth-placed team in the league phase. Afterwards, they fought tooth and nail against the heavily-fancied League Winners Mumbai City in the playoffs, before bowing out on penalties.

Despite the complete overhaul of the team from last season, the Gaurs managed to qualify for the playoffs for the sixth time.

Fact Sheet For FC Goa in Indian Super League Season 2020-21

Top Performers

1. Igor Angulo

There haven’t been smoother transitions in football than FC Goa’s change from goalscoring machine Ferran Corominas to Igor Angulo. The new Spaniard was a revelation in Juan Ferrando’s side, winning the Golden Boot in his first-ever ISL season with 14 goals in 21 matches.

His goals were vital to the Gaurs' campaign, especially because FC Goa were occasionally allowing opposition attackers to take what they want. Angulo lived up to his billing this season, but it remains to be seen if he is a one-season wonder.

2. Ishan Pandita

Difference-makers are a different breed altogether. Despite playing only for 11 matches and at times being sent in as late as the 90th minute, Pandita made a statement in his first-ever ISL season. The youngster scored four goals and all of them ended up winning Goa points, either to draw the game from a losing position or to win it.

Such was his influence, that coach Igor Stimac has chosen him to play in the upcoming friendlies for the Indian national team. This is despite the fact that he played less than 120 minutes in total across the whole league.

3. Alberto Noguera

With eight assists and a goal in 20 matches, Alberto Noguera played the role of provider for FC Goa during the campaign. He fed the likes of Jorge Ortiz Mendoza, Angulo, Pandita and Alexander Romario Jesuraj with assists across the season. He also adopted deeper roles when required, especially when Edu Bedia or Princeton Rebello found themselves unable to play due to injuries or suspension.

His ability to play anywhere in the middle of the park was utilized well by Juan Ferrando and the Spaniard repaid the trust shown in him by making the Gaurs tick. His performance would be highly crucial come the AFC Champions League, where he will be looking to continue the fine form he showed in the league.

Underperformer of the Season

The best ability at times is availability. For a team that was trying to fire on all cylinders, Brandon Fernandes could have made the big difference in the middle of the park. The Indian started the season on a slow note due to fitness concerns. He came off the bench for the first few matches, but then succumbed to further injury, thereby missing several matches towards the end of the Gaurs' league campaign.

His presence could have been a vital factor to push FC Goa into the playoffs with further ease. He did make an appearance in the second leg of the semi-final against Mumbai, before missing his penalty in the shootout.

Brandon Fernandes' ISL 2020-21 season by numbers:

• Games Played: 12
• Minutes Played: 738
• Goals: 0
• Assists: 3
• Touches: 533
• Passes: 460
• Passing Accuracy: 66.95%

Top Performances 

1. Hyderabad FC 1-2 FC Goa

https://youtu.be/XTbinRzxtxU

2. FC Goa 3 -0 Jamshedpur FC

https://youtu.be/yq4-5ebl3-U

3. Mumbai City FC 3 -3 FC Goa

https://youtu.be/AQTODDqj2uQ

Manager’s Report Card

Juan Ferrando showed an uncanny ability to adapt and improvise as challenges kept piling up during the course of the season. His biggest mountain to climb was to make sure that all the new signings as well as other players adapted to his style of play. He managed to fashion a side that does not give up no matter what, showcased by the numerous late victories and draws.

It would be nice to see what he can do with time and a proper pre-season under his belt. He will also need to reduce his tendency to sit crucial players out during big matches, as seen by Angulo sitting out against Mumbai City in the second leg. Stability in the lineup would be a key factor going forward.

Lessons to be Learned

The biggest question surrounding FC Goa the next season will be whether they can perform at such a high level when there is overall stability and less uncertainty regarding player availability. The manager has shown remarkable understanding when choosing the best lineup, but in a longer season, stability could turn out to be a pivotal factor than availability, especially when teams have had more time to train and bond in pre-season.

Another key area that needs improvement is defence; defensive set-pieces to be exact. The inability to deal with threats from dead-ball situations has been a longstanding problem for Ferrando. Hopefully, given time, the Spaniard would be able to address the issue.

Fan View

Pratyush Pradhan

I was pretty happy with the way the season turned out. With Sergio Lobera taking all our star players with him to Mumbai City, I was a little worried that the new players would take time to adapt to the new manager's philosophy. Despite drawing too many matches for our own good we qualified to the top four.

I thank Ortiz, Angulo and Edu Bedia for taking up leadership roles and the Indian players like Glan Martins, Pandita and Saviour Gama for standing out with their performances. I was disappointed that FC Goa had to go out on penalties in the semi-finals - but onward and upward, I guess! Looking forward to the AFC Champions League now.

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