has had an impressive spell at FC Goa, helping the team to a semifinal and final appearance in successive seasons, besides the Super Cup triumph. It’s the Indian Super League (ISL) title, though, that everyone wants. Ahead of the team’s first training session on Thursday, the FC Goa chief coach explains why he is bracing for a tough time. Excerpts from an exclusive interview with TOI.

The team has improved a lot since I first came here. Semifinal first year, final in the second and Super Cup (last season) is good progress. I understand the expectations of the fans but it’s difficult to improve on the successes. Last season was good. We can now improve only if we win two trophies which no club has managed so far. We are excited though.

Every year is different. For me, having the same team is advantageous. I can work with the same people who have a better understanding of my concept, style and philosophy. I think this will be a difficult year (for FC Goa) because a lot of teams have done well in the summer to build good teams and signed some very good players. Besides, we have one less foreign player. It won’t be easy.

I understand the philosophy of ISL. I think it’s important to improve the standard of the local players. As a coach, it’s true I will have less options when it comes to substitutions and there might be complications if there are injuries and suspensions, but I understand the thinking behind this decision and I respect that. It’s important to work in this direction.

If Coro has been retained by FC Goa, it means everyone believes he can reproduce the same form. Coro is a good player and age is not a problem for him. He is a thorough professional. If there are no injuries, he will have the same goal-scoring record in the third season.

As a coach, it’s better to have the pre-season abroad because the weather is good, there are enough competitive teams for friendlies and we can achieve the best fitness levels with two or three training sessions every day. With this weather here, it’s difficult to train three or two times every day. But we have to adapt to different situations and decisions of the club.

When you are obsessed with anything, it’s not the best way. It’s important to remain calm. The team worked together and there was enormous belief. The fans believed in us too. We lost the trophy and the chance to play in Asia with just two minutes left to be played. Now, we have to look ahead. Maybe we can play another final. We have more experience. It was difficult for me, but when I looked into the eyes of the players (after the final), I could see they had given everything to the club.

I am very happy. This is my job. My job is not only to win trophies, it’s to improve the level of players in India. Before the start of last season, I had a meeting with the president (Akshay Tandon) and other officials and told them that Mandar could play for the national team as left-back (even though he had never played in that position before). I am very proud of the players, the work that they are doing and the direction in which the club is headed.