PANAJI
One of the newer entrants in the Gaurs herd, strapping Dutch forward Mark Sifneos could well offer a good deal to the FC Goa set-up whereby his resources could be utilized to the optimum value.
Though he was on the playing field in every game with his previous employer in the ISL, Kerala Blasters, the towering 21-year-old barely got the minutes to give justice to his potential.
Despite having scored four goals along with providing an assist, the youngest foreign player this ISL edition was mainly coming off the bench rather than being handed a start. With the Kochi-based franchise under utilizing his services, Sifneos found the move prudent to part ways with Kerala Blasters on mutual consent on January 23 and return home in search of better opportunities.
FC Goa gaffer Sergio Lobera offered Sifneos a new lease of life in the ISL which prompted his return to India, and Goa. May be, Lobera saw something in the unassuming lanky lad when he scored against them at the Fatorda stadium not too long ago, and sooner than later one expects to know what plans are in store.
“When I left Kerala, I went back home. I checked my options and saw that there were a lot of different big clubs in Europe that had interest. But it was halfway into the season, and the places were a bit full. I had to go on loan and it was little bit complicated. Then Goa came which was a very good option,” revealed the strapping six-foot three-inch striker on joining FC Goa.
Sifneos would be itching to prove his worthiness to the herd at the first given opportunity and perhaps it could come against the Highlanders on Sunday at Fatorda.
For now, his short stint at the club has been enjoyable. He is revelling more in the training methodology adopted by his new club more than at his former club. “ At FC Goa, it is lot of a possession game, and there is a lot of football training. You get lot physical as well as you are playing with the ball a lot more,” Sifneos pointed out.
“We have a very good coach (in Goa). This was something which made me come here. I wanted to learn something from the coach and also from the players here. I had spoken to the coach (Lobera) before coming here. I knew Goa is a very good team. They play attacking football, keep possession which I thought would be good for me. In the training and from the coach, I can learn a lot,” Sifneos added.
In his earlier stint at Kerala Blasters, it was a difference experience altogether. “Working with two coaches, first, Rene Meulensteen then, David James was a big difference. While Meulensteen was more inclined towards the technical part of the game, James was more on the mental aspect, may be trying to speak to the players,” the young Dutch footballer assessed.
While refusing to put a marker on lack of playing time as a reason of switching allegiance from Kerala Blasters to FC Goa, he had only this much to say. “There were a lot of reasons which was between the club (Kerala Blasters) and me which we talked about. I would not want to really go into the reasons exactly,” Sifneos deftly sidestepping the question stated.
Though not having got game time yet, the forward has good things to say about his new club during practice. With a goal-poacher as Ferran Corominas topping the Golden Boot with 12 goals and attacking midfielder, Manuel Lanzarote not too far behind, it will be interesting to see how Lobera fits the young striker into his scheme of plans. For now, Sifneos is thoroughly having a ball of a time in training. “With Goa, for me it’s easier to play with their possession and attacking football. I will probably get more balls because of the way they play. Our midfielders are always watching the frontline and one can expect passes every time you make a good run. So I am very happy,” voiced a delighted Sifneos.
Incidentally, Sifneos began his career as a defensive midfielder, a number 10 who later moved from the left wing to the right. As he grew taller, he was found ideal to play as a forward. The switch to play as a striker came for a U-17 game.
Having started his professional career with RKC Waalwijk, for whom he had a mere three appearances between 2015-17 before switching to Kerala Blasters.
