The year 2023 was a memorable one for Indian football, as the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League witnessed some thrilling action and exciting performances. Among the many coaches who made their mark in the domestic circuit, five stood out for their achievements and impact. Here is a look at the top five coaches in Indian football in 2023.
Juan Ferrando: The mastermind behind Mohun Bagan’s success
The Spanish tactician took charge of Mohun Bagan in 2022 and led them to their first ISL title in the 2022-23 season. He also guided them to the Durand Cup trophy, defeating arch-rivals East Bengal in the final. Ferrando instilled a winning mentality and a resilient character in his squad, as they overcame many obstacles and challenges in a packed schedule.
Ferrando’s style of play was based on possession, pressing and creativity, as he made the best use of his talented players like Roy Krishna, David Williams, Carl McHugh and Manvir Singh. He also gave opportunities to young talents like Sumit Rathi, Sk Sahil and Nongdamba Naorem, who impressed with their performances. Ferrando also made history by becoming the first Indian club coach to reach the AFC Cup inter-zone play-off semi-finals, where they lost to Al-Wehdat of Jordan.
Des Buckingham: The architect of Mumbai City’s dominance
The English coach continued his impressive work with Mumbai City, as he helped them retain their status as the model club in Indian football. The Islanders were unstoppable in the 2022-23 ISL season, as they topped the league stage with 14 wins out of 20 games and scored a whopping 54 goals. They played some progressive, clinical and entertaining football under Buckingham, who made the best use of his star-studded squad.
Buckingham also led Mumbai City to a respectable performance in the AFC Champions League group stage, where they faced some tough opponents like Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Duhail. He decided to move on from Mumbai and take up the Oxford United manager role in November 2023, but left behind a legacy of success and style.
Manolo Marquez: The tactician who transformed FC Goa
The Spaniard proved his credentials as one of the most respected tacticians in Indian football, as he helped FC Goa become one of the best teams in the country. He took over the Gaurs in 2022, after a successful stint with Hyderabad FC, where he led them to a second-place finish in the ISL league stage in 2021-22. He brought his philosophy of possession-heavy, efficient and attractive football to Goa, and made them a formidable force.
FC Goa reached the Durand Cup semi-finals under him, and dominated the ISL in 2023-24. They were unbeaten in their first eight games, winning six times, conceding only three goals and keeping five clean-sheets in a row. Marquez also made them almost impenetrable defensively, as he improved the likes of Ivan Gonzalez, James Donachie and Seriton Fernandes. He also gave chances to young players like Princeton Rebello, Saviour Gama and Devendra Murgaonkar, who repaid his faith with their displays.
Sergio Lobera: The comeback king who revived Odisha FC
The former FC Goa and Mumbai City coach made a stunning return to Indian football in 2022, as he accepted the Odisha FC head coach role. The Spaniard used his influence and contacts to help the Juggernauts rope in some important signings, such as his former players Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall. He also brought in some exciting foreign talents like Diego Mauricio, Cole Alexander and Steven Taylor.
Lobera drilled his trademark style of slick, possession-based and fearless football into his side, and made them play some of the most entertaining games in the ISL. He also inspired them to win their group in the AFC Cup, ahead of Mohun Bagan, and qualify for the inter-zone play-off semi-finals, where they will face Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya of Iraq. Lobera is back with a bang in India, and seems focused on taking Odisha to new heights.
Staikos Vergetis: The pioneer who led Punjab FC to the ISL
The Greek coach played a significant role in helping Punjab FC become the first I-League side to gain an earned promotion to the ISL, after clinching the I-League title in 2022-23. Vergetis helped his side dominate the second division, winning 16 of their 22 games and only losing twice. He also ensured that they played thrilling attacking football, scoring 45 goals in the process.
Punjab FC might not have won any of their first 10 ISL games, but they have still put on some action-packed displays, including a 3-3 draw against Bengaluru FC. Vergetis is doing the best he can with the given resources, while ensuring that Punjab FC have a reputation for being a progressive, attack-minded and ambitious side.
