Panaji, Feb 3 (IANS): Technical Director Derrick Pereira, along with Clifford Miranda and Roma Cunillera, have taken charge as the coaching team for FC Goa. The team takes up the reins as the Gaurs fight for the top spot and the Indian Super League (ISL) trophy.

Clifford Miranda will be the interim coach under the mentorship of Derrick Perriera. Pereira has been with the club for the last three seasons, serving as the assistant coach in 2017/18 before taking up the role of technical director last season. In this role, he headed FC Goa's youth development programme with three of his teams finishing as champions.

He was also in-charge of the India U-23 team last year. He has previously managed Mahindra United, winning the National Football League in his maiden season. That established him as one of the premier coaches of the country as he went on to manage Pune FC, Salgaocar, DSK Shivajians and Churchill Brothers.

Clifford Miranda has been the assistant coach this season and was in-charge of the developmental team till last season. Under his charge, the young Gaurs won the Goa Pro League besides putting in impressive performances in the 2nd division league and the Durand Cup.

Miranda has been one of the mainstays of the Indian football team's midfield, winning the SAFF Championships twice along with the AFC Challenge Cup. He has been equally successful at the club level with five league titles under his belt with Dempo SC.

Roma Cullinera, meanwhile, has been appointed as the club's strength and conditioning coach. The Spaniard will also help the team in planning and facilitating the day to day training sessions of the club. Having worked under various coaches in Spain, he was last working for KAS Eupen under Claudio Makelele in the Belgian 1st division.