Indian Super League (ISL) came as a blessing for football in India. It has served sports in many ways. It has been constantly helping in developing the young and emerging talents across the country and supporting the sport in an overall manner. If we keep the players aside, ISL has also witnessed some really experienced managers both from in and around India. Many managers have impressed fans as well as the spectators with their new ideas and game-play. Here is the list of the Top 5 best managers in the Indian Super League of all time.
So let us have a look at the Top 5 best managers in Indian Super League of all time:
5. Clifford Miranda
Is one of the most successful Indian Head Coaches in the history of the Hero Indian Super League. He has been in charge of FC Goa for only 5 matches. He was appointed as the head coach of the Goan side on an interim basis in 2020. His run as the boss was really very impressive but was replaced by Juan Ferrando. Clifford Miranda is still a part of the coaching staff of the club as an assistant coach.
4. Khalid Jamil
The one name that comes to every Indian’s mind when we talk of successful managers is Khalid Jamil. He previously managed several clubs in the I League, which includes East Bengal, Aizwal FC, etc. He even won the prestigious I League trophy with Aizwal FC. Last season, the 44-year-old was appointed as interim head coach of Northeast United. Their unbeaten streak of 10 consecutive matches under his guidance led them to the playoffs. Jamil also became the first-ever Indian coach to reach the Hero ISL playoffs.
3. Albert Roca
Albert Roca was one of the best moves made by Bengaluru FC. He served as the head coach of Bengaluru FC for 2 years. In his term, he led the club to the finals of the 2016/17 AFC Cup. In doing this, they became the 1st Indian team to achieve the feat. He also, helped them reach the ISL finals and won the 2016/17 Federation Cup. His average points per match were an impressive 2.10.
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2. Sergio Lobera
He is also a La Masia product. His impact on the club was immediate. He led Mumbai City FC to their maiden league title. The streak continued as they also won the ISL Winners Shield. He had previously led FC Goa to the 2019/20 Winners Shield and 2019 Super Cup. His name is engraved as one of the bests already with an average of 1.84 PPM.
1. Antonio Lopez Habas
Perhaps the most successful manager in the Hero ISL from the very beginning. Though he is a defensive-minded manager then also he had got success in the Hero ISL. In August 2014, Lopez was named coach of ATK in the Indian Super League. Lopez led his team to the semi-finals by drawing with FC Goa, meeting the same opponent once again, and defeating them on penalties.
In the final match against Kerela Blasters, he benched marquee player Luis Garcia and playmaker Jofre for which he was praised by critics and the side won thanks to a goal by Mohammed Rafique in extra time. On 14th March 2020, he won the national championship against Chennaiyin to become the first manager to achieve the feat twice with the same team. Last season, he signed as the head coach of ATK Mohun Bagan but his team lost the final against Mumbai City FC 2-1.
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