Derrick Pereira to return to Salgaocar

Ayush Srivastava/goal.com | 30 April 2013 10:27 IST

Derrick Pereira’s reign at Pune FC is set to come to an end, with the former Mahindra United coach set to return to his old stomping ground at Salgaocar FC, reports goal.com.

Goal.com understands that a deal may be signed in the next 48 hours, with Derrick already in Goa to negotiate an agreement, though an announcement may not be forthcoming until the end of the season.

The Red Lizards coach confirmed after the Air India win that he was going to leave Pune FC at the end of the campaign. He revealed, “My heart is here in Pune, but due to personal reasons, I have to leave and I will say what I have to after the last game.”

When quizzed about his impending move to Salgaocar, Derrick refused to deny the deal and stated, “I would not like to comment on the deal until it is done, I cannot confirm it. I would like to go back, the talks are on but I will wait till I sign on the dotted line.”

He also confirmed what Goal.com had reported during the weekend, that the players had been told about his departure after the Air India game. The former Mahindra United coach said, “The Head of Operations (Chirag Tanna) announced it (Derrick’s departure) after the Air India game, and they (the players) have been responded well to it.”

“We have been a good outfit all season, they have worked hard before and after the announcement. If you see our celebrations after goals you will see this team has played together for Pune FC and it has good spirit. Their commitment before and after the announcement has been excellent,” he further added.

With several key Pune FC players being out-of-contract in the summer, and with the club itself looking to move towards a more youth oriented approach, one wondered if Derrick Pereira would look to take some of his players with him to Goa. The Pune FC coach though, responded diplomatically.

“I don’t want to comment on that. I would definitely and happily take them along with me, but their first choice is Pune FC. However if there is an opportunity for some player, they are always welcome, it is up to the players.”

Pereira also stressed on how much he had learnt during his spell with the Pune based side, and said, “I will be taking this experience with me. I have learned a lot in 4 years and learned a lot of good things. I will try to be better in my approach at the new club. I am always looking to improve Indian football and I will be doing it in the future.”

“I will definitely try to improve and wherever I go, if any area needs to be improved, I will. I will look at infrastructure, youth development, even Pune FC can improve in some areas and they are working hard on it,” he concluded.

Derrick Pereira was close to return to Salgaocar shortly after he left Mahindra United, but eventually ended up at Pune FC. It seems like it shall prove to be second time lucky for the former Vasco SC coach.


goanews.com is now on Telegram & also Youtube. Kindly subscribe for free & remain updated.


Drop a comment

Enter The Code Displayed hereRefresh Image


Latest News

Football

Desktop Site