Carlos Pena believes this is the perfect time for him to return to FC Goa | OneFootball

Former FC Goa superstar Carlos Pena made a sensational return back to club as manager, three years after his retirement from professional football.

44-year-old Pena was serving as the Head Coach at Albacete Balompie back in Spain and finished top of the league in the Primera Division RFEF.

In his latest interview with the Times of India, Pena expressed his happiness at returning to FC Goa, this time as a coach.

"One of the reasons I retired was to start a new path as a coach. It was very clear that I wanted to become a coach and worked towards it during the later stages of my playing career. I was learning, and obtaining my coaching licenses when I was still a player. Nobody can time things.

"I started coaching young players because you have to make a start somewhere and now my time with FC Goa has come. I am fully prepared. I have learned many things as a professional footballer. Of course, if I arrived here as a coach in 10 more years, I would be more experienced, but for sure I am ready now and will do my best."

Speaking on what he thinks about FC Goa's condition since he left the club, Pena said, "I think the first season was a good season, qualifying for the semis and being eliminated by Mumbai City FC only on penalties. They were very close to fighting for the title with a new coach, and new players.

"After that, Goa did very well in the AFC Champions League. This season, the influence of coach Juan Ferrando leaving was tough. It’s not easy when you are in the bio-bubble and the coach leaves. The new coach has little time to adapt. There were injuries too. But all this is what I observed from the outside."

Revealing what fans can expect from him as coach of FC Goa, Pena concluded, "As a player, I enjoyed having the ball, trying to attack, keeping possession, and being part of an offensive team. This is how I see and feel about football.

I like teams that try to recover the ball fast and attack. This is how I’ve enjoyed football and this is the way I will make Goa play. I have no doubt that we will build a strong team, and work with the values of FC Goa which I am fully aware of. It’s time to look to the future."