Juan Ferrando is the new successor to Sergio Lobera and hopes to be the first coach in the Gaurs history to bring them an ISL title.

In what was a major move made by FC Goa on Thursday, the club announced the arrival of Juan Ferrando as their new head coach.

Ferrando replaces his compatriot Sergio Lobera at the helm of affairs who had parted ways with the Gaurs midway into the 2019-20 ISL season. After Lobera left, Clifford Miranda had taken charge of the club as their interim coach in the remainder of the last season.

Ferrando’s task will be to get the Gaurs playing at the same level as they did under the tutelage of Sergio Lobera, as they sparkled the entire league with their performances.

Who is Juan Ferrando?

Ferrando, born in Barcelona, began his career with the academy at RCD Espanyol before moving to Barcelona B for his Practicum. He then coached the likes of FC RICOH Premià, Terrassa CF and CE Hospitalet before moving to Malaga, to become the coach of the youth team.

Meanwhile, in England, he worked as the technical coach of Premier League stars like Cesc Fabregas, Robin Van Persie and Angel Rangel amongst others. 

Taking charge of FC Sheriff in Moldova in 2013, he led the team to a win in the Moldovan Super Cup. Under his tutelage, the club reached the third round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. In the Europa League, the same season, they eventually finished 2 points shy of qualifying to the knockout stage from a group that contained Tottenham and Anzhi Makhachkala. 

He then went on to take charge of Spanish sides CyD Leonesa and Linares before switching to Greek Super League 1 newly formed club Volos FC and enjoyed fantastic success. There, under his command, the club gained two promotions in as many seasons and has ever since been playing in the Greek Super League.

A UEFA Pro License holder, Ferrando was awarded the award for ‘Best Coach’ in 2017/18 by the Greek Football Association for his work at Volos.

A new chapter for a top coach

Upon success in the Greek Super League 1 , the Spaniard is ready for a new challenge.

Speaking on his appointment, Juan Ferrando said, “I am so incredibly excited to become part of the FC Goa family. I have been greatly impressed by the Club’s emphasis on their vision and style of play and I would like to thank the club for giving me this opportunity.

“I have heard a lot about Goa’s passion for football. Together, with support from all the fans, we hope to play good football, and do our best to bring success to the club.”

'Shares our vision, philosophy and hunger for success'

FC Goa President Akshay Tandon also weighed in on the appointment, saying, “I am very pleased to welcome Juan Ferrando to the club. In Juan, we firmly believe that we have a coach who shares our vision, philosophy and hunger for success.

“He has had success wherever he has been, and has made an impact on players playing at the very highest level. Our focus now will be to lend our full support to Juan in the days to come.”

FC Goa are set to become the first Indian club to play in the AFC Champions League this season after they topped the league stage of the ISL last season.