( Javier Siverio, PC- FC Goa Media)
With the Super Cup final set to unfold under the floodlights at Fatorda, FC Goa forward Javier Siverio finds himself in a familiar yet emotional position, preparing to face his former club, East Bengal, in a high-stakes clash with silverware and an AFC competition berth on the line.
For Siverio, the build-up isn’t just about tactics, pressure or expectation, it’s also about memory.
“I’ve played for East Bengal, and of course it’s special,” he admitted with a smile. “They have passionate fans and I have good memories from my time there. I won the Super Cup with them after many years — I think the club waited more than a decade for a trophy. But now I’m an FC Goa player and my only focus is winning my first trophy with this club.”
On the Bond with Manolo Márquez
Siverio’s stint in India began under Márquez at Hyderabad FC, and after two seasons apart, the reunion has been seamless.
“My relationship with the coach has always been very good,” Siverio says. “The last two seasons, I wasn’t with him. This year, he called me personally and told me he wanted me here. Things are going very well at the moment, and we are looking to continue our good run tomorrow.”
Respecting the ‘New’ East Bengal
While Siverio knows the Red-and-Gold culture intimately, he acknowledges that the squad traveling to Goa is a different beast compared to previous years.
“East Bengal is a very good team. This season, they have made significant changes to their foreign contingent. We respect them deeply. However, we are playing at home, and we have to take full advantage of that environment.”
The AFC Advantage?
Goa enter this final after a gruelling run in the AFC Champions League 2 against giants like Al Nassr and Istiklol. Siverio believes that the competition has forged the squad’s steel, though he remains grounded.
“Playing in ACL 2 has definitely helped us stay in better shape. Given the current situation in Indian football, having played more competitive matches might be an advantage for us. But at the end of the day, it’s one game—a final of 90 minutes. Anything can happen. If we stay focused on our job, we can win.”
Overcoming Absences and Fatigue
Goa will be without their defensive pillar Sandesh Jhingan and the controversially suspended Iker Guarrotxena. After a fatigue-underwhelming second half in the semi-final against Mumbai City, Siverio knows there is no room for error.
“We will miss Sandesh, but it is what it is. We have to play with the players we have. We played a really good first half against Mumbai, but we suffered a bit in the second. Tomorrow, we will try to be at our best for the full 90 minutes. The end goal is simple: win.”
After a dip in attendance during midweek group fixtures, Siverio is banking on a packed stadium to push them over the line.
“I expect the fans to come in big numbers. In the group stages, the weather was bad and the timing was tough. It’s a Sunday now. I expect the stadium to be packed, helping us get the trophy.”
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