FC Goa announce exit of coach Carlos Pena after failed stint

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FC Goa on Sunday parted ways with their coach Carlos Pena after a season in charge of the club. The Spaniard left the club with his team of officials in Gorka Azkorra, Eduard Carrera and Joel Dones.

Pena, who also played for the club in the past, had a tough time at the helm of FC Goa as the club finished unsatisfactory seventh in the ISL season and then made a group exit in the Super Cup.

"FC Goa have parted company with head coach Carlos Pena," said the club in a statement. "The Spaniard and his assistants, viz. Gorka Azkorra, Eduard Carrera and Joel Dones will be leaving with the Club's thanks and best wishes for their future."

The news of Pena's departure was making rounds for a while now as it has been reported that FC Goa already have an understanding with Hyderabad FC manager Manolo Marquez as their new coach.

Marquez, who led Hyderabad FC to a historic ISL title in 2022, will leave the club after they play their AFC Cup qualification play-off match against Mohun Bagan on May 3. The announcement of his exit was made late last month.

Meanwhile, speaking on Pena's departure, FC Goa Director of Football, Ravi Puskur said, "On behalf of everyone at FC Goa, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Carlos Pena and his coaching staff, Gorka Azkorra, Joel Dones, and Eduard Carrera for the integrity and sincerity with which they went about doing their job.

"Unfortunately, the results didn't accompany the hard work put in behind the scenes but that does not take away from the time and effort they have dedicated towards the development and growth of the team.

"Their contribution to the club will always be cherished and remembered with fond memories, and we wish them all the best for their future endeavors."