Clifford moves to Odisha as asst coach

Panaji: Clifford Miranda’s five-year stint with FC Goa has come to an end.
The former India midfielder joined FC Goa as coach of the developmental side and the under-20 team in 2017, the same year he put a full stop to his hugely-successful playing career, largely with Dempo Sports Club with whom he won five national league titles.
Once he joined Goa’s developmental side as coach, he rose to become assistant to both Spanish coaches — Sergio Lobera and Juan Ferrando — that the club signed, but has now moved to Odisha FC.
“Odisha FC is delighted to announce that Clifford Miranda will join head coach Josep Gombau’s backroom staff as assistant coach from July 1,” the club said in a statement on Tuesday. “We are absolutely stoked to welcome Clifford to the Juggernauts. The club would like to wish him the best for the upcoming season.”
Clifford gave a good account of himself with Goa, particularly when he guided the team to a memorable Goa Pro League title in 2018-19. He was then made assistant to Lobera in the Indian Super League (ISL).
When Lobera and Goa parted ways, Clifford was made in-charge of the team with Derrick Pereira, the club’s technical director, by his side.
Again, when Juan Ferrando left the club midway to join ATK Mohun Bagan last season, Derrick was summoned with Clifford playing a significant role.
The AFC Pro coaching licence holder had a good equation with Lobera and Ferrando and is now expected to play a similar role at Odisha with Gombau in-charge.
Goa have appointed Carlos Pena as the chief coach for this season and the former Spanish defender will have his own team as Gorka Azkorra and Joel Dones have been announced as the new assistant coach and strength & conditioning coach for the upcoming season.
Goa are also expected to sign a new coach to replace Virender Singh as goalkeeping coach.