Winning legacy defines ISL 2024-25, as coaches with proven track records assume charge

by FC Admin September 13, 2024

Mumbai, 11th September: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 will see an assembly of the finest tactical minds in Indian football, with at least six of the 13 coaches at the start of the season having won either the ISL League or the ISL Cup previously.

Chennaiyin FC’s Owen Coyle (2021-22 Shield with Jamshedpur FC), East Bengal FC’s Carles Cuadrat (2018-19 Cup with Bengaluru FC), FC Goa’s Manolo Marquez (2021-22 Cup with Hyderabad FC), Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Jose Molina (2016 Cup with ATK), Mumbai City FC’s Petr Kratky (2023-24 Cup with Mumbai City FC) and Odisha FC’s Sergio Lobera (2020-21 Cup and Shield with Mumbai City FC, 2019-20 Shield with FC Goa) will be targeting another shot at the coveted prizes.

Whilst it is a testament of the teams recruiting seasoned hands to sail their ship, the above anecdote also suggests that cut-throat competition will be prevalent with power-packed teams and shrewd head coaches giving it their all to propel their teams to success.

Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera will aim to take the Juggernauts to their maiden ISL title, after having finished fourth last season. Lobera is the only active tactician to have coached in 100+ ISL games (104) and only the second head coach overall (Antonio Lopez Habas – 112 games). He also claims the records for most wins (55) and most goals scored (194) under any coach in the league.

Owen Coyle, having guided Jamshedpur FC to a League Shield victory in 2021-22, takes on the challenge of building upon Chennaiyin FC’s playoffs finish last term. His winning mentality and ability to extract the best out of his Indian players could be instrumental in shaping the fortunes of the two-time ISL champions.

Carles Cuadrat will seek to end East Bengal FC’s playoff drought. Cuadrat’s tactical versatility, seen in his Cup-winning campaign with Bengaluru FC in 2018-19, can be crucial for East Bengal as they aim to break a streak of four seasons without reaching the playoffs.

Manolo Marquez, who led Hyderabad FC to ISL Cup success in 2021-22, is in his second season with FC Goa. Known for his ability to build cohesive attacking units, which saw his team score 43 goals last season, Marquez will be aiming to reignite FC Goa’s title ambitions.

Jose Molina, a seasoned tactician with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, will aim to add to his 2016 Cup success with ATK. He has the tools to push for both the Cup and the Shield this season with the Mariners.

Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC’s Petr Kratky, fresh off his Cup-winning campaign last season, will be looking to defend the title, a feat never achieved in ISL history. His possession-based, high-tempo style will once again be central to Mumbai’s success.

The 2024-25 ISL season promises to be a tactical battleground, with these six coaches in-charge of some of the strongest teams in the league. Their past achievements make them formidable contenders, as they strive to outsmart one another in pursuit of glory. The season ahead could very well be shaped by the strategies and decisions of these experienced tacticians, each with their unique approach to football.

Indian Super League 2024-25 season will kick off on Friday, September 13, 2024, with a marquee clash between ISL League Winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant and ISL Cup Winners Mumbai City FC at 7:30pm IST at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

ISL will be streamed live free on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam) and telecasted live on Sports 18 — 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Additionally Sports 18 — 1, Sports 18 — 2 and Sports 18 — Khel will also broadcast live select ISL matches.

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