Field Vision

Ever since the announcement by AIFF in July 2024, this was supposed to be Manolo Márquez’s final season in Indian football and he needed to deliver for FC Goa and he did by lifting silverware once again this time guiding Goa to triumph in the Super Cup, adding a deserved trophy to a season marked by resilience and evolution. 

In the Indian Super League (ISL), FC Goa found their rhythm after a slightly slow start, eventually becoming one of the most consistent teams in the competition. Despite this impressive resurgence, the ISL Shield remained just out of reach, thanks to the relentless dominance of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, whose quality across the pitch proved too much for any rival to match over the long haul.

In this feature, we assess The Rights, The Wrongs and the future of FC Goa after conclusion of the 2024-2025 season.

The Rights

One of Márquez’s hallmarks has always been his trust in young Indian players, and this season was no different. Brison Fernandes, Ayush Chhetri, and notably Hrithik Tiwari (who started the season as 3rd choice goalkeeper) – emerging as key figures. Hrithik, in particular, stunned many naysayers by finishing third in the league for clean sheets, a remarkable rise that accentuated both his talent and the coaching staff’s belief and development abilities.

Alongside these young talents, seasoned Indian internationals like Udanta Singh and Sandesh Jhingan stepped up when it mattered, bringing experience and leadership to a side that blended youth with grit.

Read our Exclusive interview with Hrithik Tiwari here: Between the Posts: Hrithik Tiwari’s Journey from Guwahati to Goa

Another major positive was Márquez’s keen understanding of his squad’s limitations from the previous season. Recognizing the need for sharper edges in midfield and attack, he made crucial signings such as Iker Guarrotxena, Armando Sadiku, and Aakash Sangwan – each of whom added depth, creativity, and most importantly control in their respective roles.

Perhaps the biggest bargain of all, though, was Borja Herrera, the gem of a free signing from East Bengal, who, in his case, did take his time to settle. And once he did find his footing, Borja became an indispensable creative force for Goa, finishing as the club’s highest assist provider in the ISL, unlocking defenses with his intelligent movement and accurate deliveries.

Read our Exclusive Interview with Borja Herrera here: Exploring New Experiences; The Borja Herrera Way

In retrospect, the most commendable part of Goa was their adherence to their tactical organization and adaptability which saw them losing just four matches throughout the whole league campaign. Whether pressing high, sitting compact, or being in possession of the ball, FC Goa consistently showed maturity in their overall game even when results did not seem to reflect their effort.

While FC Goa’s 24-25 season experienced more highs than lows, they were not without its flaws. After all, no team in football is perfect. The early part of the league campaign saw the team struggle with inconsistency in finishing chances, especially when the likes of Sadiku and Borja were still being fitted perfectly into the system. 

The Wrongs

Six (6) Draws is what has hurt the Gaurs this season, some of these dispensable draws in winnable fixtures cost them valuable points in the race for the Shield.

Moreover, despite being tactically sturdy, Goa at occasions seemed to lack a killer instinct in big games, particularly against their eventual rivals for the league and shield MBSG, where moments of brilliance from the opposition in the key moments for the Shield race, exposed the finest of margins that seemed to separate Goa from the elites of Indian football hierarchy

Will Manolo stay?

So, as FC Goa end their season on an eventual high and look forward to competing in Asia once again(being the winner of 2025 Super Cup, granting them a place in 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two group stage qualifiers) one major question, the biggest of all, looms: Will Manolo Márquez continue at the helm?

His role has already expanded beyond the club, as he has been appointed Full time Head coach of the Indian national team, at least for the upcoming June 10 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers away match against Hong Kong. But doubts, in recent weeks, have been forthcoming about Manolo’s intent to continue with the Blue Tigers.

Should he stay, it will be the continuation of a team that clearly believes and is well settled in his philosophy. If not, Goa must ensure that the next managerial appointment carries forward the values,focus on youth development, and upon the ideas and philosophies that Márquez has instilled.

He leaves behind a squad with clarity, a balanced mix of youthful exuberance and steady experience. A footballing identity rote in confidence of their abilities and structure.. The emergence of talents Hrithik, Ayush, and Brison signals a bright future for the Gaurs, provided the club builds on this momentum rather than resetting it.

So, on a finishing note, it remains a very interesting future indeed for FC Goa and their ardent supporters, tinged with slight uncertainty. With or without their crucial Headmaster that remains to be seen.

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