Rohit Bhandiye
PANAJI
Former India international Gouramangi Singh was appointed as the new head coach of FC Goa last month, making him the club's first full-time Indian head coach. The 40-year-old succeeds Manolo Márquez and leads a historic all-Indian first-team coaching staff.
Singh had served as FC Goa’s assistant coach for four seasons from 2022 till 2026. The former defender had a long-playing career in Indian football, representing clubs like Dempo SC, Sporting Clube de Goa, and Churchill Brothers, alongside winning the 2010 AIFF Player of the Year award.
In an exclusive interview with The Goan, Singh spoke about the challenges ahead for FC Goa, team’s preparations for the new season and its performance during last season.
Congratulations for being selected as the new head coach of FC Goa. You are the first Indian head coach of FC Goa in last 12 years.
Thank you. It is a proud moment and a great responsibility. I’m grateful to the club for their trust, and I see this as an opportunity to continue building on the strong foundation that has already been laid. My focus now is to help the team improve every day and make our supporters proud.
You have been associated with FC Goa as an assistant coach from 2022–2026. Now, you will be its head coach. How do you see this transition?
It is a different role with greater responsibility, but the objective remains the same, to help the team succeed. Having worked with this group for the last four years, I understand the club’s culture and expectations, which makes the transition smoother.
What will be the main challenges for FC Goa this season? I understand the club is going through a transition phase in terms of coaching staff and players.
Every transition brings challenges, but it also brings opportunities. Our priority is to build a strong team identity, help the new players settle in quickly, and keep improving together as a group.
FC Goa do not have any high-profile foreign signings this season. Will it affect the team’s performance?
Football is never about individual names alone. We have signed players who fit the way we want to play and, more importantly, fit the culture of the club. Success comes from the collective, not from reputations.
Your thoughts on FC Goa’s game against Arkadag in ACL Two. How well is the team prepared for the match on August 12?
It will be a difficult game against a quality opponent, especially away from home. We respect them, but our focus is on our own preparation. The players have worked hard in pre-season, and we will be ready to compete.
How has the team’s training been for this season?
The players have shown a great attitude from day one. The intensity, commitment, and willingness to learn have been very positive. We are building good habits that we hope will serve us throughout the season.
Do you think FC Goa’s performance against Arkadag will decide its performance for the rest of the ISL season?
No, I don’t think one match defines a season. Every game is important, but consistency over many months is what ultimately determines success.
How do you view FC Goa’s performance during last ISL season and ACL Two?
I think we had a positive season overall and achieved some good results in both competitions. At the same time, there are always lessons to take from every campaign, and our focus is on becoming better than we were last season.
You worked under Manolo Márquez for last three seasons. What were your biggest learnings from him?
Working with Manolo was a valuable experience. His attention to detail, game management and consistency in his work are qualities I learned a lot from.
Any Goan players in the current FC Goa squad which have impressed you the most?
I don’t like to single out individuals. We have a number of talented Goan players, and what has impressed me the most is their work ethic, commitment and desire to improve every day.
