Published 20:54 IST, October 9th 2019
ISL 2019-20, 5 top coaches: Carles Cuadrat, Eelco Schattorie and more
The pressure will be on the ISL coaches before the start of the upcoming domestic league on October 20, 2019. Here is our list of top five ISL managers.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2019-20 is just around the corner and is set to kick-off on October 10, 2019. Kerala Blasters FC will play ATK in the opening game of this year’s domestic competition. Ahead of the start of this year’s ISL season, we have compiled a list of the top five managers to watch out for. Has your favourite club’s manager managed to make the cut? Read further to find out.
Top five ISL managers
#5 John Gregory
Englishman John Gregory endured a dismal outing in ISL 2018-19 season. After winning the league in the previous season, the defending champions finished last in the ISL standings last season. However, there have been some significant changes in the squad during the recent transfer window. Expect Gregory to get the best out of his Chennaiyin FC squad as they enter ISL 2019-20 season hungry for revenge.
#4 Jorge Costa
Mumbai City FC were the surprise package last season. Head coach Jorge Costa will hope to get the most out his young and vibrant squad. The likes of Amrinder Singh, Rainier Fernandes and Subashish Bose will be expected to deliver when called upon by Costa. Can the Islanders prove their doubters wrong this season?
#3 Sergio Lobera
FC Goa earned amazing reviews from critics and fans alike after they played some beautiful attacking displays across ISL 2018-19. Unfortunately, the Gaurs lost the final to Bengaluru FC but won the hearts of football fans across the country. Sergio Lobera will be in the limelight once again as the Goan outfit enter ISL 2019-20 season as firm favourites. Will the Gaurs go all the way this year?
#2 Eelco Schattorie
Kerala Blasters FC roped in former NorthEast United FC coach Eelco Schattorie ahead of the start of ISL 2019-20 campaign. The Dutch coach received rave reviews as he led NEUFC to the play-offs for the first time last season. Schattorie has brought in former NEUFC players - TP Rehenesh and Bartholomew Ogbeche - to boost the squad depth with the Kerala outfit. Having finished second from bottom last season, expect Kerala to impress this year under the Dutch maestro.
#1 Carles Cuadrat
Bengaluru FC Carles Cuadrat led his team to the ISL trophy over the course of ISL 2018-19. He got the best out of the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Xisco Hernandez and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as Bengaluru beat Goa by one goal in the final. The Blues have made some interesting additions this season (Ashique Kuruniyan, Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Raphael Augusto). Carles Cuadrat will hope to repeat last year's antics as Chettri and Co. eye the ISL trophy once more.
Updated 18:55 IST, October 10th 2019