At the start of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, few expected FC Goa to emerge as a dominant force, especially after undergoing significant changes in their setup. With a strong emphasis on a youthful core and a handful of under-the-radar foreign recruits, the team embraced a fresh approach under the guidance of Manolo Marquez.
Slowly but steadily, FC Goa built a side that was fearless, playing an expansive brand of football with young domestic talents complemented by experienced ISL foreigners. Though they narrowly missed out on the ISL Shield, the team has quickly regrouped, setting their sights firmly on the ultimate prize—the ISL Cup.
Fieldvision had the honor to speak with FC Goa’s Borja Herrera for an exclusive interview.
Borja is not new to Indian Football, he has represented Hyderabad FC, East Bengal FC and is currently appearing for FC Goa in the premier division of Indian Football. Borja has been and important figure for the Gaurs in the ongoing ISL campaign and with playoffs approaching, the Gaurs will hope to claim their maiden ISL Cup title.
Read the excerpts of the exclusive conversation below.
A Step Forward, But the Job is Not Done
FC Goa has secured a place in the semi-finals, a crucial milestone, but Herrera admits there’s some disappointment in missing out on the ISL Shield but the sights are already on what’s coming – the ISL Cup.
“Reaching the semi-finals is always special, but there’s also a sense of what could have been. We came close to winning the Shield, and of course, it’s disappointing. But football moves quickly, and now, our complete focus is on the semi-finals and going all the way in the ISL Cup,” he shared.
Manolo Márquez: A Familiar Figure in His Career
Having played under Manolo Márquez at Las Palmas during their time in Spain as well as at Hyderabad FC during the 2022-23 ISL season.
Herrera, who is well-acquainted with the Spanish tactician’s philosophy is extremely happy to play yet again to play under his mentorship and says, “Manolo is one of the best coaches I’ve worked with. He understands how to bring the best out of his players and create a winning team environment.”
He went on highlighting Marquez’s influence on his playing career professing, “His confidence in me has played a big role in my development, and I’m grateful to be working with him again.”
Overcoming a Slow Start
FC Goa had a challenging start to the season with just six points in as many games in the initial phase of the league but found their momentum when it mattered most. According to Herrera, the squad never lost belief in their abilities amidst a slow start. Commenting on the matter he expressed, “Even when results weren’t going our way, we remained confident. We knew we had the quality to turn things around.”
Highlighting the coaching staff’s influence in the challenging phase he mentioned, “The coaching staff kept us motivated, and within the squad, we always supported each other. Once we hit our stride, everything started to fall into place.”
A More Competitive ISL season
The 2024-25 ISL season has seen intense competition, with several teams fighting for top positions until the final weeks. Herrera, currently playing in his third season in the ISL, believes this is a sign of the league’s growth.
“This season has been one of the most competitive I’ve played in. The quality of teams, tactics, and intensity has improved significantly. Every match is a challenge, and that’s great for Indian football.”
Healthy Competition with Dejan Drazic
Borja Herrera and his Serbian teammate Dejan Drazic are tasked to pull the strings in the midfield playing similar roles in the team and with just position to play between the two the Spaniard insists that there is no rivalry—only a shared goal of success. “We all have our roles to play. The strength of our squad comes from the depth and understanding we have with each other.”
He further talks about the team camaraderie and the team atmosphere, “The competition within the team pushes everyone to be better, but at the end of the day, it’s all about contributing to the collective success.”
Three Seasons in India: A Positive Experience
Plying his trade in India for the third consecutive with three different clubs, Herrera has seen the league evolve and appreciates the growing professionalism in Indian football. “The ISL is developing every year, and the passion for football here is incredible. The clubs are becoming more structured, and the league is heading in the right direction.”
With that being said, he still believes ISL needs a course connection in certain aspects, speaking of which he disclosed, “There’s still room for improvement, especially in grassroots development, but the future looks promising.”
The Influence of Young Indian Talents
FC Goa boasts a promising group of young Indian players, including Brison Fernandes, Ayush Chhetri, and Hrithik Tiwari. Herrera enjoys playing alongside them and believes they represent the future of Indian football.
“The younger players in our squad are hungry to learn, which is a great trait. As senior players, we try to guide them, but at the same time, their energy and enthusiasm push us to be better as well.”
Goa: A Second Home
The Spanish midfielder has settled in well in Goa, after having joined the Gaurs in the winter transfer window he remarked he enjoys both the footballing atmosphere and the lifestyle the West Coast state has to offer.
“Goa is a fantastic place. The beaches, the people, and the relaxed atmosphere make it a great place to live. It’s different from Spain, but in some ways, it reminds me of home,” he noted
Winning the Super Cup with East Bengal: A Special Memory
Before joining FC Goa in the January window, Borja was part of East Bengal’s Super Cup-winning squad, a historic achievement for the century old Kolkata club.
“Winning a trophy is always special, but doing it with East Bengal meant a lot.”
Borja was the fan favorite for the Red and Gold last season and was one of the main architects in the Super title win.
However, that was the last game for the Spaniard in East Bengal but he acknowledged the fans and stated, “The fans were incredible, and you could feel how much it mattered to them. It’s a moment I will always cherish.”
Why He Moved to FC Goa Mid-Season
Despite his success with East Bengal, Herrera opted to make a mid-season switch to FC Goa which came as a surprise for many, but for him —a decision he believes was right for his career.
“Leaving a team mid-season is never easy, especially after winning a trophy and playing in two finals. But I felt FC Goa was the right place for me. The club has a strong footballing philosophy, and I wanted a new challenge.”
What Indian Football Needs to Improve
Borja Herrera is a traveled athlete and has played football across various nations when questioned on the areas of improvement in Indian football ecosystem, Herrera pointed out areas that need further development.
“The league is growing, but there are key areas that need attention. More investment in infrastructure, youth development, and giving young players more competitive match time will be crucial in taking Indian football to the next level.”
Future in India? Open to Staying Longer
Now in his third ISL season, Herrera remains open to extending his time in Indian football.
“I feel comfortable here, and the league is improving every year. As long as I can contribute and continue enjoying my football, I would be happy to stay in India,” he said wrapping up the conversation.
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