FC Goa have appointed their former player Carlos Peña as the new head coach. The 38-year-old Spanish defender replaces interim coach Derrick Pereira who in turn was brought in when Juan Ferrando left for ATK Mohun Bagan midway into last season.
Pena had retired from FC Goa at the end of the 2019-20 season after winning the ISL League Winners’ Shield. Since then, he pursued coaching and is a UEFA Pro License holder. Prior to joining FC Goa as a coach, he mentored the youth team at Lorca FC followed by a stint at UCAM Murcia CF. In 2020-21, he was assistant coach at Lleida Esportiu and last season he was in charge of Albacete Balompié’s youth team.
During the course of his playing career, Carlos played mostly in the Spanish first and second tier for FC Barcelona’s B, Real Valladolid and Getafe CF among others. He was part of the ISL with FC Goa for two seasons – 2018-19 and 2019-20.
I am delighted to be back at FC Goa as the head coach. It was a very easy decision.
And whilst there were offers for me to choose a bigger role in Albacete and in other clubs in Spain, the offer to take charge of FC Goa was too good to pass on.
Having served as an assistant coach and head coach of youth teams over the past two seasons, I believe this is the perfect opportunity for me.
Everyone knows my love for this club and the history that we share. My only focus now is to get FC Goa back to the top. I’m here to work hard and bring more success to the club and I can’t wait to get started.
Carlos Peña to FCG Media
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