Interview with FC Goa defender Luciano Sobrosa: "I league needs to reinvent itself immediately to survive"

Luciano Sabrosa in action for Salgaocar (left) and in Pune FC colours last season

Last week, Brazilian central defender Luciano Sobrosa completed Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Goa’s foreign quota, by signing on loan from I-league outfit, Pune FC. The 36-year old will have the daunting task of competing against former Inter Milan and Bayern Munich defender Lucio for a spot in the back four. However, if Zico does choose to play two foreign Centre Backs, Sobrosa will add over half a decade of experience within the Indian football hierarchy.

Born in Santo Angelo, Sobrosa first arrived in India in 2007 as part of a newly promoted Vasco team from Goa. He would then go onto play for three different clubs, which included the likes of Sporting Clube de Goa, Salgaocar and Mohammedan. However, it is at Pune FC, that he came into his own. Last season, the club from Western India had the third best defence in the league, only behind Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC.

A rock solid defence spearheaded by the Brazilian was key to Pune FC finishing fifth in the league, as they had scored only 24 goals, one of the lowest in the league. FC Goa have chosen to go for experience as they look increase their defensive responsibilites.

Sorbrosa spoke to Sportskeeda in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

How did the entire FC Goa move happen?

Everything happened really fast! I was back in Brazil, when everything happened. FC Goa wanted an experienced player, who has played in India for a while and will be able to deal with conditions and their style of play. So, we began talking from there and one thing led to the other and we negotiated terms and the deal came through. I am ecstatic!

What are your thoughts on the FC Goa side right now?

I think FC Goa has a very balanced team, if you have a look at the table last season it will show you how they both had a solid defence and scored a bundle of goals. There are also players with immense individual quality like Lucio now. It’s one of the best teams in the league. But, Zico was the main reason I joined the franchise, he is a great coach and a wonderful human being.

You have been a part of Indian football for a while, how do you think it's changed over the years?

So many things have changed in the last couple of years. ISL has been a boon for everybody involved. However, what worries is me is I-League’s structure. It is a league which runs for a longer period of time, but it really needs to reinvent itself to produce players at the highest level.

You could potentially partner Lucio in central defence, your thoughts on your compatriot's move to India?

Lucio the greatest defender I have ever seen playing, he is a top player, who will bring in bundles of experience from his time with the Brazilian national team and clubs such as Bayern Munich. It’s fantastic that he chose to play in India and we will learn a lot from him, but the most important aspect is that fans will get to see him play live. It will be a joy to watch.

There are rumours that Pune FC will shut down soon. Have you felt such a vibe around the club right now?

I heard about this via the media, but nothing directly from the club officials. Clubs like Pune FC are a bright spot for India, not because I’m biased, but because of the professional manner in which the club is run. They have youth academies, good infrastructure and most importantly the players feel at home here. Clubs like Pune FC are an integral part of the Indian football system, I would actually call it one of the best clubs in India. They shouldn’t close at any cost.

As a foreign player who has been in India for a while, do you think the Indian Super League has helped domestic players?

Yes, it has helped the players the Indian players a lot. With quality coaches and players around you, you’re bound to pick up a few tricks of the trade. This is also not the end of the road, as every edition passes by, they will improve more and more. It’s very important that they keep their eyes and ears wide open. Why just domestic players? Even us foreign players are learning a lot.

What do you expect from the second season the ISL?

A lot actually! Simply because the franchises have now learned the nitty gritties of how to run a football club and will be better prepared and equipped to handle these things. However, again that’s not what I expect from the I-league, it keeps happening every year, the clubs are slowly losing fans and I’m afraid it might die apart from certain regions. Hope that doesn’t happen. I am really looking forward to the new campaign and all the best to Indian football.