PANJIM: A certain rivalry was born in 2015 when FC Goa thrashed Mumbai City 7-0 recording the biggest margin in the Indian Super League (ISL).
The fixture saw two hat-tricks being scored from the same side. Ever since, this tie has seen a goal-fest across most Indian Super League seasons.
This neighbouring rivalry is now set to take another twist when former FC Goa manager Sergio Lobera would make an emotional return to his former home ground, but this time as an away team coach. It would also be a reunion for former stars like Mandar Rao Dessai, Hugo Boumous and Mourtada Fall and co.
Though Sergio Lobera stated this would be a special game, having plenty of memories with the clubs, the fans see this as the rise of a new derby – the Western Derby.
“Excited to see our team playing against Mumbai City, and I’d call it the Western Derby,” said Clesito Fernandes, a FC Goa fan club member.
“Ex-team manager versus new team manager locking horns against each other. It will be an exciting time to watch FC Goa win against Mumbai City FC on November 25,” he added.
“Sergio was instrumental in making us believe our team was the best. He showed fans the glimpse of how beautiful the game actually is. This was the most awaited clash of the season. Probably for any Goan fan, this is the derby for them. Lobera will be missed but at the same time being a FC Goa fan, I would like to see our win,” said Talula Da Costa, a fan from Moira.
There’s the desire for redemption for both teams—FC Goa as well Mumbai City – who would be looking to register their first win.
Lobera’s managerial skills will be put to test against a club he built from a scratch as both FC Goa and Mumbai City FC share a similar approach to their game – just attacking football.
Another fan, Jovan Dias from Bastora said, “It will be awkward seeing Lobera along with former key players like Hugo, Mandar and Fall in the opposition dug-out but at the end of the day no individual is bigger than the club. But yes, this is like a new derby for us as the club would want to win this fixture,” stressed Jovan Dias from Bastora.
The club that Lobera left behind is no longer the one he’ll be playing against. That’s not to say that the team’s pass-and-possess tactic is gone; it is still a part of the system, and coach Juan Ferrando proved it against Bengaluru in FC Goa’s first league outing. The attacking football is reshaped in more of Ferrando’s tactical approach. It’s a bit more aggressive. It’s the same FC Goa with a better tactical approach.
With such a tactical deviation of his own era, it may be difficult, even for Lobera, to recognise the new FC Goa. In fact, he may be surprised by what he sees when the match begins.
