Goa: The Orange Army of Indian Super League, FC Goa confirmed the release of coach Juan Ferrando allowing him to move immediately. The 40-year-old Spanish is anticipated to join Kolkata giants ATK Mohun Bagan, taking in charge of the club left by Antonio Habas on Saturday.
With disappointment I'd like to confirm that @JuanFerrandoF has triggered his release clause, obliging us to release him of his duties so that he can join @atkmohunbaganfc. As long the money gets deposited in our accounts, we do not have a choice in his decision.
— Akshay Tandon (@akshaytandon117) December 19, 2021
Taking it to a social networking site, FC Goa president Akshay Tandon confirmed the news of the headman departing. FC Goa was left in surprise as Ferrando informed the club this morning taking the club’s hierarchy by surprise, thus keeping no place for FC Goa to negotiate the clause.
ATK Mohun Bagan has finalized their next head coach ✅🇪🇦#ISL
— Prachyaprachetah Sarkar (@SircarPrachya) December 19, 2021
Tandon noted, “It is unfortunate that people involved in the deal chose to leak the information to the press before even before the release clause was triggered. Members of our squad and staff had to find out about these developments through Twitter and the media. Poaching our coaches, staff, and players is fair game but I hope better sense and sportsmanship prevail in the future. We would have at least liked the opportunity to inform our squad ourselves,”. He also added that the club will announce their plans for a new coach over the next couple of days.
The Spanish took charge of Goa ahead of the ISL 2020-21 season, pushing the club to the semifinals of the playoffs, losing to eventual champions Mumbai City FC in penalties. Ferrando created history as FC Goa also featured in the AFC Champions League overseeing the first point ever earned by an Indian team in the group stages. Fernando also guided Goa to win Durand Cup ahead of ISL 2021-22 season defeating Bengaluru FC on penalties in the final.
FC Goa had a different start to this season in ISL, sitting seventh in the league table as they lost to Mumbai City, Jamshedpur FC, and NorthEast United FC in their three opening matches. However, Ferrando reversed the fortunes with two consecutive wins against SC East Bengal and Bengaluru FC, and a thrilling draw against Hyderabad FC in the last match.
