Keen to return to India and start coaching: Marcos Pereira

Panaji: Former Vasco Sports Club striker Marcos Pereira has completed his pro license and is now keen to return to India and kickstart his professional coaching career.
The Brazilian first arrived in India when he signed for Vasco in 2002 and was part of a hugely-competitive squad that also had Rogerio Ramos – later India’s goalkeeping coach – and Rui Wanderly Weis. Vasco finished third that year, six points behind champions East Bengal, and Marcos was quickly snared by Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan.
Marcos ended up playing for several other top clubs, including Churchill Brothers FC, Salgaocar SC and JCT Mills during his 13-year spell in India and is now waiting for an opportunity to prove himself as coach.
“I finished my pro license course from the ATFA (in Argentina) and now looking at options,” said Marcos, among the more popular Brazilian players during the National Football League (NFL) era. “The ATFA (Asociacion de Tecnicos del Futbol Argentino) is one of the largest training schools for coaches in the world and has among its graduates World Cup 2022 champion Lionel Scalone, Diego Simeone of Atletico de Madrid, Marcelo Bielsa, Jorge Sampaoli and many others.
Since completing his pro license, Marcos has been interning with clubs in Brazil and last coached the under-23 team of Sociedade Esportiva Bom Retiro.
He has also worked in Malaysia as head coach of an academy.
“At the moment I am doing internships with some clubs and waiting for an opportunity. Indian football remains close to my heart. I spent 13 years in India as a footballer and now I want to contribute as coach. I know I have the ability to bring in improvements,” said the Brazilian.
According to sources, Marcos has already sounded out teams in the I-League and could be considered for a role next season.
Marcos arrived at Vasco as a promising striker from Cene Esporte Clube in Brazil in 2002 and was an instant hit at the club. The Brazilian moved to Mohun Bagan the next year but returned almost immediately, only to score a brilliant hat-trick for Vasco against the Kolkata giants in his team’s 5-1 at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
Towards the fag end of his career, he had spells with lower-ranked clubs in Kolkata like Southern Samity and Bhawinipore FC.