With a wealth of experience in player and coach development, Pepe joins FC Goa to lead the development and execution of the Club’s game model and coaching methodology.
Pepe’s career in football began at the young age of 17 as a coach while playing for various teams in Barcelona. At 23, he began coaching at a football school affiliated with FC Barcelona, where he worked alongside Manolo Márquez, FC Goa’s current Head Coach. In 2000, he founded the Hristo Stoichkov Football Schools, a project he led until 2017. More recently, Pepe initiated the Life Futbol System, focusing on training coaches globally, a venture that brought him to Goa.
In his new role at FC Goa, Pepe will focus on creating a comprehensive framework to develop both players and coaches, ensuring the Club continues to progress on all fronts.
Speaking about his appointment, Pepe Villar Berenguè said, “I was introduced to FC Goa through Manolo Márquez and realized that the Club’s goals aligned perfectly with my vision of football development. The passion for football in Goa was a decisive factor in accepting this challenge.”
“Understanding football as a complex and uncertain game is essential for talent to flourish. Social and emotional factors are fundamental to both football and human development.
“Although my knowledge of Indian football was initially limited, I am impressed by the professionalism and enthusiasm of the coaches and staff at FC Goa. Of course, there are many areas where we can and will improve, but the level of rigor and enthusiasm that everyone shows in striving for excellence is on par with many clubs in Catalonia, and I sincerely mean that. We will focus on continuing to grow the football tradition in India by sharing our love for the game.
“I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received from everyone at FC Goa,” he added.
Lokesh Bherwani, FC Goa’s Director of Football, expressed his excitement about Pepe’s appointment. “We are thrilled to welcome Pepe Villar Berenguè to FC Goa. His extensive experience and innovative approach to football development will be invaluable as we continue to build a strong foundation for the future.
“Pepe’s vision aligns perfectly with our Club’s philosophy, and we are confident that he will play a key role in enhancing our technical methods and practices and contributing to the growth of football in Goa and India,” he said.