FC Goa’s Ravi Puskur explains club's key transfer dealings

The DoF talked candidly about his club's ins and outs in the recent past.

FC Goa need no introduction to today's Indian football fans. Within a short span of just seven years, the Indian Super League (ISL) outfit have emerged as one of the best teams in the country. Over the years, they have achieved success, both on and off the field and credit for the same goes to many people at the club - including Ravi Puskur, their Director of Football.

Ahead of the ongoing 2021-22 season as well, Goa look strong thanks to their off-season activity in the transfer market. They did not start the league well - with two defeats in two games - but their fans continue to believe that the Gaurs will fight for the playoffs spots. Their title triumph at the recently-concluded Durand Cup also offers promise.

In a recent conversation with Khel Now on the 'Beyond The Scores' podcast, Ravi Puskur spoke on some of their star players ahead of ISL 2021-22. The FC Goa DoF shed light on how some important signings were made, and how he believes they would help the club attain more success going forward.

On signing their star goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh

The youngster rose to fame thanks to his heroics at the FIFA U-17 World Cup back in 2017. In the winter transfer window of the 2020-21 season, the goalkeeper was signed by the Goan team. Sometimes, teams might be averse to the possibility of acquiring a player who did not have much game-time at their previous club. Such was the case with Dheeraj, but Ravi Puskur felt otherwise.

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“Sometimes, players get a certain amount of playing time that they feel they will be getting and then something else altogether. There are players whose potential perhaps is not being used to the fullest. Our job is to ensure we keep our eyes and ears open. Every time we see an opportunity and if we believe that the profile can come in and help improve what we already have existing, then we will take a step in that direction,” he said.

Parting ways with Igor Angulo

https://youtu.be/xaz7g92DNVQ

FC Goa’s talisman last season Igor Angulo, who won the Golden Boot with 14 goals, said his goodbyes prior to the new campaign before his move to current champions Mumbai City FC. The club have signed Angulo’s compatriot Ariam Cabrera as his replacement. It remains to be seen if the new signing can maintain the level of his predecessor.

“We felt like perhaps, we needed a little bit of a different profile. But, I am glad Igor has moved to a place where he will get an opportunity to prove his talent and skill. He is undoubtedly one of the best finishers I’ve seen in the league,” lauded Puskur.

Improving defence with Dylan Fox & Anwar Ali

Amongst the players who have come in this season are Australian centre-back Dylan Fox and Indian youngster Anwar Ali. The former already has experience in the ISL during his time at NorthEast United. “I think Dylan was absolutely fantastic from the moment we got in touch with him. Every time I spoke to NorthEast, they were very sure about the entire process and they never caused any impediment to us. We are thankful that we have a very good working relationship with the club,” said Puskur on this deal.   

Ali, the 21-year-old defender, will be training with the club till January, when he will be hoping to make his debut. “We have been very transparent about the whole process with Anwar and his parent club. If the opportunity was given, we felt that he is a player who deserved a chance.”

Puskur and his team waited for clearance from the AIFF medical team regarding Ali's condition. After being in constant touch with the player and his representatives, the club finally acquired Ali’s signature.

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Homecoming for Muhammed Nemil

“He was in Spain to finish what we would call his footballing education. There, he would get more opportunities and playing time. This summer we had a couple of clubs in Spain as well who were ready to offer some kind of conditions.

"We thought it was time for him to get a shot at the ISL first-team,” revealed Ravi Puskur. Although at an impressionable age, the young midfielder can surely learn a lot. If opportunity arises, he can quite possibly make a mark.

Replacing Ishan Pandita with Devendra Murgaonkar

Ishan Pandita joined Jamshedpur FC this season after spending a year with FC Goa. “It was a very simple process. Ishan expressed that he wanted to move because he felt like he needed more playing time. We never want to stand in the way of a player, if he feels it is best suited for him to go and play for another club,” explained Goa’s DoF.

The most likely candidate to take Pandita’s place in the squad is Devendra Murgaonkar. The forward arrived at the club back in 2020 and has shown last season what he is capable of, if given the chance. “Every time he got an opportunity last season, he took it. We felt like he was more than a capable replacement and I’m sure we will see more of him this time around," Ravi Puskur concluded.

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