I-League 2021-22: FC Bengaluru United sign foreign strikers Luka Majcen and Pedro Manzi

Bengaluru: FC Bengaluru United have signed strikers Luka Majcen and Pedro Manzi, adding firepower to their attack for the upcoming domestic season. The foreign duo’s first assignment for the club will be the Durand Cup. The tournament begins in Kolkata next month and FCBU are one of the 16 teams invited to participate in it. The 32-year-old Slovenian forward Majcen joins FCBU as a free agent, following a one-season stint with Churchill Brothers in last season’s I-League. Majcen finished the I-League season with an impressive return of 11 goals; a tally which saw him finish second in the Golden Boot race in the league. He also registered two assists to go with his 11 goals. Before his entry into the Indian domestic football circuit in 2020, Majcen plied his trade in Slovenian football, representing a number of top clubs in the region. He is a two-time winner of the Slovenian Cup, which is the top knockout tournament in Slovenian football. “The club has a clear goal and vision about where they see themselves in the coming years - which is to be playing in the I-League. My objective is to help the team win and achieve this goal together with my new teammates. “I am excited about the opportunity and am looking forward to working with Head Coach Richard Hood, whose reputation as one of the sharpest coaches in Indian football precedes him,” said Majcen. Majcen will be looking to form a partnership in attack with fellow new signee Manzi. Manzi took Indian football by storm in his debut season with Chennai City FC in the 2018-19 I-League. The Spanish forward finished that season as the Golden Boot winner in the I-League with 26 goals. His exploits led Chennai City FC to the I-League crown that season, and FCBU will be hoping that their new recruit will be able to recreate his goal scoring form from that particular season. “I am very happy to return to India and play for FC Bengaluru United. Bengaluru has a great sporting culture, and the fans really support their team. I would like to use all my career experience to help the team grow, whether it is with my offensive tactical play, assists for goals and also the way I apply pressure with my defensive skills,” Manzi said. “Being part of the FC Bengaluru United journey will help me in my own professional journey. I was excited to accept this challenge and look forward to playing a leading role in guiding the club to the I-League.” FC Bengaluru United head coach Richard Hood said, “With two foreign players allowed on the pitch there was a lot of effort behind the analysis that went into identifying and securing our prime targets for our promotion bid.”