From the high and lows of FC Goa over the past 10 years to the club's youth development program, from hiring strategies of players and coaches to building the club’s fan base to strategies of getting better turnouts at FC Goa matches, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur spoke to The Goan for an exclusive interview ahead of the new ISL season that begins on 13 September.
Q: FC Goa has had an exciting 10-year journey. What are your reflections on the highs, lows, and everything in between?
A: Over the past decade, FC Goa has experienced a rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges. From our early days, we aimed to create an exciting footballing experience that resonated with the passionate Goan community. We’ve seen exceptional players come through our ranks and have had thrilling moments that have kept our fans engaged.
A major highlight has been our dedication to youth development. Building one of the country’s top grassroots programs has been rewarding, as we’ve watched young talent grow and succeed. However, not every season has been smooth sailing. There have been tough times and heartbreaks, but each challenge has taught us valuable lessons and strengthened us.
The unwavering support from our fans has been crucial. The people of Goa have embraced FC Goa wholeheartedly, and their passion motivates us to keep striving for excellence. Personally, being part of this journey for nine years has been a period of significant growth, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
Q: FC Goa has come close to winning the ISL Cup several times but has yet to secure one. However, the club has won the League Shield once and qualified for the AFC Champions League. How do you view the importance of these achievements, and should the ISL Cup be prioritized over the League Shield?
A: Winning the League Shield signifies being the best team over a season, which is crucial for our club’s growth. It also grants us entry into prestigious Asian competitions, aligning with our goal of becoming a dominant force in Indian football.
The ISL Cup is important and remains a target, especially towards the end of the season once we’ve secured a playoff spot. However, the League Shield is our primary objective because it represents consistent performance throughout the season. Our focus is on achieving excellence across the board, but securing the League Shield remains a key goal as it reflects our overall strength and helps us compete on a larger stage.
Q: FC Goa is known for its strong youth development system. How has this helped in squad-building, and what value has it added to the club?
A: Youth development has been fundamental to FC Goa. We were among the first in India to prioritize this, understanding that nurturing local talent is essential. Our focus on youth development allows us to build a sustainable squad and reduces our reliance on external market sources.
Developing local talent also strengthens our bond with the community. When local players make it to the first team, it deepens the connection between the club and its supporters. Overall, our youth development system is about creating a legacy and reinforcing our role within the community, which has been invaluable to the club.
Q: What attributes does FC Goa focus on when recruiting new players, and how has the approach to foreign signings shifted in recent years?**
A: Our recruitment strategy is aimed at assembling the strongest team possible while aligning with the coach’s philosophy. In recent years, we’ve shifted from scouting lesser-known foreign talents to focusing on players with Indian football experience, such as Armando Sadiku and Carl McHugh. This change reflects our need for players who can adapt quickly to our style of play.
The focus is on finding players who fit seamlessly into the team’s structure and meet the coach’s tactical requirements. Our goal is to provide the best options for our coaches, balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives.
Q: How does FC Goa handle the departure of talented players who move on to other clubs?**
A: Losing talented players is always challenging, but we stay focused on maintaining strong recruitment processes. As players seek better opportunities, we have expanded our scouting network and market knowledge to find suitable replacements.
Recruitment is complex and can be unpredictable, but we remain committed to our principles while adapting to market conditions. Our focus is on building a resilient team that can handle changes and continue to perform at a high level.
Q: FC Goa has had several Spanish head coaches, and their style has influenced the club's play. How did this approach come about, and how has it worked for the club?
A: The influence of Spanish football on FC Goa stems from our desire to play an attractive, ball-possession style of football. We sought coaches who were familiar with this approach, which naturally led us to hire Spanish coaches. The alignment between our style and Spanish football philosophy has proven effective, enhancing our performance and style over the years.
While we haven’t exclusively recruited Spanish players, their familiarity with our style has contributed to our success. The approach has helped us develop a distinctive and engaging style of play.
Q: Despite being a successful team, FC Goa has seen a decrease in match attendance at Fatorda. What are the reasons for this, and how can better turnout be achieved?
A: Several factors have contributed to the decline in attendance at Fatorda. The initial excitement of attending matches has waned, and the COVID-19 pandemic shifted fan preferences to watching games from home. Additionally, gaps between home fixtures and a few less successful seasons have impacted support.
High demands for free passes have also affected attendance, as they often end up with individuals who are not true supporters. To improve turnout, we are working on reducing ticket prices, which are now at their lowest ever. We urge genuine fans to purchase tickets and fill the stands, as a vibrant stadium creates a strong home advantage.
Q: FC Goa has a strong online following, but this doesn't always reflect in match attendance. What are your thoughts on building the club's fan base?**
A: While FC Goa has a significant digital following, translating that online support into actual attendance is crucial. We are committed to engaging with our fans and making the club more accessible. However, the true measure of support is seen in the stands. We encourage our loyal supporters to convert their online enthusiasm into physical presence. A packed stadium is essential for creating an atmosphere that truly reflects Goa’s love for football and contributes to the team’s success.
