FC Goa undergo first training session

Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Goa kicked-off their first training session under new coaches Sergio Lobera and Derrick Pereira at the Chowgule College football field here on Monday.

The team will be heading to Murcia, Spain, for a run of pre-season games and training in the next few days.

Head Coach, Sergio Lobera was happy with his team's first full practice together and said that he was looking forward to the start of the new season in the ISL.

"I am very happy with this team and with the attitude of the players and the effort they have put in today. We look forward to playing a style of football that will be enjoyable to watch and that is what the focus will be on during the training period. As a team, we look forward to winning," Lobera said.

Defensive midfielder Bruno Pinheiro has returned to the FC Goa squad following his stint with the club in the first season and said he was happy to have the opportunity to return to this team.

"I always wanted to come back to Goa and play for this club. I love this place and this team. However, it wasn't possible to do so earlier. But things worked out this time and I jumped at the chance to come back to Goa. I am familiar with a few of the boys, like Narayan, Mandar and Kattimani who have been here from the start. From what I have seen at training, I believe we have a good team to compete to win the ISL title," the 30-year-old said.

Centre back Chinglensana Singh Konsham said: "There is a difference in the coaching style of Sergio in comparison to other coaches I have played with. He comes from a different school of thought and I am very excited to play this season under a manager like him. Additionally, he is young and has working knowledge of the modern game which will definitely benefit us, as a team."

"It was an excellent training session under the new coach. I trained in Spain with Villareal last year and noticed that Coach Lobera's style tecniques are similar to what I experienced in Spain. I'm excited about the new season and look forward to the months ahead," winger Mandar Rao Desai said.

--IANS

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