Spaniard Lobera roped in as FC Goa head coach

Spaniard Sergio Lobera has replaced Brazilian football legend Zico as the head coach of FC Goa after signing a two-year deal with the Indian Super League (ISL) club, it was announced on Monday.

The 40-year-old, who has previously coached Spanish side UD Las Palmas and Morocco's Moghreb Tetouan, will join the club in the first week of July, according to a release.

He was also part of the late FC Barcelona backroom staff headed by late Tito Vilanova during 2012-13 season.

"After a thorough and exhaustive process where the best part of 60 names were considered for the job, we are pleased to hand over the reins of the first team to Sergio. We have always maintained that we are looking for a coach who will be able to help us achieve our vision for Goan football and Sergio fits that profile perfectly," said FC Goa President Akshay Tandon.

Lobera said: "I'm delighted to join FC Goa and play my part in a very exciting vision. I see FC Goa as the ideal step in my career and hope to achieve the best results for the club.

"The passion for football in Goa is well documented and I'm keen to ensure that we play an attacking brand of football that the people of Goa can be proud of."

FC Goa have finished twice as ISL runners-up under Zico.

--IANS

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