FC Goa has confirmed Gorka Azkorra and Joel Dones as the club’s new Assistant Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach respectively, for the upcoming season. A press release by the club confirming their appointment was released on Monday, June 13, 2022.
“They have a real passion for the game, and the project we have at hand. I am excited to have them on board,” said head coach, Carlos Pena, after the appointment.
Playing as a professional across 14 seasons, Azkorra, a UEFA A license holder, has been working with the youth teams at Athletic Bilbao for the past three seasons after retiring in 2018. Azkorra has 5 La Liga and 116 Segunda appearances, in addition to playing 3 games in the UEFA Cup (erstwhile Europa League).
"I’m very happy to join FC Goa. I'm looking forward to arriving in Goa and beginning the pre-season. It’s going to be a great season, I’m sure,” said Gorka Azkorra.
Strength and Conditioning Coach, Dones, also has a UEFA A License to his name. Dones is an experienced coach with a degree in Sports Science and a Professional Master’s degree in High Performance in Team Sports from FC Barcelona. He has worked as the Strength and Conditioning Coach with clubs in Spain, in addition to a 2-year stint in the Hong Kong Premier League.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity that FC Goa and Carlos have presented to me. I am looking forward to putting in the required work to move the team to the top of the Indian Super League,” stated Dones, following his arrival to the team.
