Table of Contents
The Indian Super League, or more commonly referred to as the ISL, is the apex professional football league in India. It was founded in 2014 and is currently contested by 12 teams. The season runs from September to March and includes a 22-round regular season followed by playoffs involving the top six teams, culminating with the ISL Final to determine the champions. At the conclusion of the regular season, the team with the most points is declared the winner and is presented with the League Winners’ Shield.
The Indian Super League (ISL) has come a long way since its inaugural season. The league has attracted some of the biggest names in world football, both as players and coaches. In the process, it has helped to raise the standard of Indian football and produce a new generation of talented players. Some of the coaches who have worked in the ISL have played a significant role in its success. They have brought their expertise and experience to the league, helping to develop players and teams. In this article, we take a look at the top 8 ISL coaches of all time.
Best Indian Super League (ISL) Coaches of All-Time
| Sr. No | Name of the coach |
| 1 | Sergio Lobera |
| 2 | Antonio López Habas |
| 3 | Steve Coppell |
| 4 | Juan Ferrando |
| 5 | Owen Coyle |
| 6 | Manuel Márquez |
| 7 | Marco Pezzaiuoli |
| 8 | Khalid Jamil |
Sergio Lobera
Sergio Lobera is arguably the most successful coach in ISL history. He has won three ISL titles, two with FC Goa and one with Mumbai City FC. He is also the only coach to have won the league title with two different teams.
Lobera is known for his attacking style of play. It is also notable that he has a talent for getting the best out of his players, maximizing their potential and bringing out their best performances on the field. He has helped to develop some of the best Indian players in the league, including Brandon Fernandes, Seriton Fernandes, and Hugo Boumous.
- Managerial Career
| Years | Team | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–2006 | Barcelona (youth) | ||
| 2006–2007 | Barcelona C | ||
| 2008–2009 | Terrassa | ||
| 2010–2011 | San Roque | ||
| 2011–2012 | Ceuta | ||
| 2012 | Barcelona (assistant) | ||
| 2012–2014 | Las Palmas | ||
| 2014–2017 | Moghreb Tétouan | ||
| 2017–2020 | Goa | ||
| 2020–2021 | Mumbai City | ||
| 2022–2023 | Sichuan Jiuniu | ||
| 2023– | Odisha | ||
Antonio López Habas
Antonio López Habas stands as a prominent and accomplished coach within the ISL. With an impressive record, he clinched two ISL titles, both achieved with ATK, making him the sole coach to secure victory in the ISL final on two occasions.
Habas is celebrated for his emphasis on defensive prowess and exceptional team organization. Additionally, he has garnered acclaim for his adept mentorship of young, emerging talents.
- Managerial career (From 2010- 2023)
| 2010–2011 | Mamelodi Sundowns | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2013 | Bidvest Wits | ||
| 2014–2016 | Atlético de Kolkata | ||
| 2016–2017 | Pune City | ||
| 2019–2020 | ATK | ||
| 2020–2021 | ATK Mohun Bagan | ||
| 2023– | Mohun Bagan SG (technical director) | ||
Steve Coppell
Steve Coppell is one of the most experienced coaches in the ISL. He has managed teams in England, Scotland, and Wales before coming to India.
- Managerial career
| 1984–1993 | Crystal Palace | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995–1996 | Crystal Palace | ||
| 1996 | Manchester City | ||
| 1997–1998 | Crystal Palace | ||
| 1999–2000 | Crystal Palace | ||
| 2001–2002 | Brentford | ||
| 2002–2003 | Brighton & Hove Albion | ||
| 2003–2009 | Reading | ||
| 2010 | Bristol City | ||
| 2012–2013 | Crawley Town (director of football) | ||
| 2013–2014 | Portsmouth (director of football) | ||
| 2016–2017 | Kerala Blasters | ||
| 2017–2018 | Jamshedpur | ||
| 2018–2019 | ATK | ||
Also Read: Meet ISL Team Owners of 2023-24 | Masterminds in the Spotlight
Juan Ferrando
Juan Ferrando is a relatively new coach in the ISL, but he has already made a big impact. He led ATK Mohun Bagan to the ISL title in his first season in charge.
Ferrando is known for his attacking style of play and his ability to develop young players. He has helped to develop some of the best Indian players in the league, including Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, and Prabir Das.
- Managerial career
| Years | Team | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2010 | Premià (youth) | ||
| 2010–2011 | Terrassa (youth) | ||
| 2011–2012 | Hospitalet (youth) | ||
| 2012–2013 | Málaga (youth) | ||
| 2013 | Sheriff Tiraspol (assistant) | ||
| 2013 | Sheriff Tiraspol | ||
| 2014 | Ergotelis | ||
| 2015–2016 | Cultural Leonesa | ||
| 2017 | Linares | ||
| 2017–2020 | Volos | ||
| 2020–2021 | Goa | ||
| 2021– | Mohun Bagan SG | ||
Owen Coyle
Owen Coyle is a seasoned coach in the ISL, boasting extensive managerial experience in various football leagues, including England, Scotland, and the United States, prior to his venture into Indian football.
Coyle is recognized for his attacking style of play and his ability to bring the best out of his players. He has helped to develop some of the best Indian players in the league, including Iain Hume, Jackichand Singh, and Sahal Abdul Samad.
- Managerial career
| 2003 | Falkirk | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2007 | St Johnstone | ||
| 2007–2010 | Burnley | ||
| 2010–2012 | Bolton Wanderers | ||
| 2013 | Wigan Athletic | ||
| 2014–2016 | Houston Dynamo | ||
| 2016–2017 | Blackburn Rovers | ||
| 2017–2018 | Ross County | ||
| 2019–2020 | Chennaiyin | ||
| 2020–2022 | Jamshedpur | ||
| 2022–2023 | Queen’s Park | ||
| 2023– | Chennaiyin | ||
Manuel Márquez
Manuel Márquez is a relatively new coach in the ISL, but he has already made a big impact. He led Hyderabad FC to the ISL title in his first season in charge.
Márquez is known for his attacking style of play and his ability to get the best out of his players. He has helped to develop some of the best Indian players in the league, including Bartholomew Ogbeche, Joao Victor, and Mohammad Yasir.
- Managerial career
| 2002–2003 | PB Anguera | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2006 | Prat | ||
| 2006–2007 | Europa | ||
| 2007–2009 | Prat | ||
| 2010–2012 | Badalona | ||
| 2013–2014 | Espanyol B | ||
| 2014–2015 | Prat | ||
| 2015 | Sant Andreu | ||
| 2016–2017 | Las Palmas B | ||
| 2017 | Las Palmas | ||
| 2018 | NK Istra 1961 | ||
| 2018–2019 | Ratchaburi Mitr Phol | ||
| 2020–2023 | Hyderabad | ||
| 2023– | Goa | ||
Marco Pezzaiuoli
Marco Pezzaiuoli is an experienced coach who has worked in various football leagues around the world, including the Indian Super League (ISL). He has managed teams in Germany, Switzerland, and Thailand before coming to India.
Pezzaiuoli is recognized for his expertise in defensive discipline and his talent for organizing teams effectively. Marco has received widespread acclaim for his work with new talent and his ability to develop them into accomplished athletes.
- Managerial Career
| 2002 | Karlsruher SC (caretaker) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2005 | Suwon Samsung Bluewings (assistant coach) | ||
| 2006 | Eintracht Trier | ||
| 2007–2008 | Germany U16 | ||
| 2008–2009 | Germany U17 | ||
| 2009–2010 | Germany U15 | ||
| 2009–2010 | Germany U18 | ||
| 2011 | TSG Hoffenheim | ||
| 2014 | Cerezo Osaka | ||
| 2016 | Zhuhai Suoka | ||
| 2014–2017 | Guangzhou Evergrande (director of youth development) | ||
| 2017–2020 | Eintracht Frankfurt (technical director) | ||
| 2021–2022 | Bengaluru | ||
| 2022- | Galatasaray (technical director) | ||
Khalid Jamil
Khalid Jamil is the only Indian coach on this list. He is the first Indian coach to be permanently appointed as the head coach of an ISL club.
Jamil is known for his work with young players and his ability to get the best out of his teams. He has helped to develop some of the best Indian players in the league, including Lallianzuala Chhangte, Brandon Fernandes, and Anirudh Thapa.
- Managerial Career
| 2009–2015 | Mumbai | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–2017 | Aizawl | ||
| 2017–2018 | East Bengal | ||
| 2018–2019 | Mohun Bagan | ||
| 2019–2020 | NorthEast United (assistant) | ||
| 2020–2021 | NorthEast United (interim) | ||
| 2021–2022 | NorthEast United | ||
| 2022–2023 | Bengaluru United | ||
| 2023– | Chitwan | ||
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many great coaches who have worked in the ISL over the years. They have all played a significant role in the development of the league and the Indian national team.
It will be interesting to see who emerges as the next great ISL coach. There are a number of talented young Indian coaches coming through the ranks, and it is only a matter of time before one of them breaks through and becomes a household name.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Goalkeeping Gloves to BUY Online
