FC Goa has appointed technical director Derrick Pereira as their new head coach following the departure of Juan Ferrando to ATK Mohun Bagan, IFTWC can confirm.
“The meeting yesterday came to the conclusion that Derrick will lead the team for rest of the season. Angel Viadero was also considered but the club has some different plans as of now. We will see some other developments once the season ends,” said a source who tracked the developments closely.
Derrick Pereira has been associated with FC Goa since 2017 beginning as assistant coach and head of youth development. Later he became the Technical Director of the club, and the team tasted massive success under his direction with a runners up finish in the 18-19 season, a league title the next season and impressive performances in the Durand Cup and AFC Champions League recently.
Derrick Pereira has been on the coaching circuit for the past 21 years, starting with Salgaocar. His next assignment was at Mahindra United for five years before he moved to Pune. His last stint as a first team manager was with Churchill Brothers in 2017. Over the years, Pereira has managed the youth team and served as an assistant coach for FC Goa’s first team before taking on a non-coaching role with the Gaurs.
The National Football League and Federation Cup winning manager will now revert back to a coaching role with FC Goa appointing him as their head coach. The former defender faces an uphill battle with FC Goa in the bottom half of the table and their coach Juan Ferrando leaving after just six matches this season.
Juan Ferrando changed bases from Goa to Bagan after ATK Mohun Bagan activated his release clause two days ago and offered him a massive salary increase. Ferrando’s Green and Maroon Brigade will face the Gaurs on 29th December in a highly anticipated clash.
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