Sergio Lobera appointed as new coach of Odisha FC (IANS)
Odisha FC appoints former FC Goa coach Sergio Lobera who won ISL with Mumbai City FC
Odisha FC on Wednesday appointed former Indian Super League (ISL) league shield and title winner Sergio Lobera as their new head coach.
The Spaniard, who has coached FC Goa and Mumbai City FC in the past, will look to take Odisha FC to even greater heights after a successful campaign for the club during the 2022-23 season.
Eastern Dragons qualified for the ISL playoffs for the first time since inception and later ended the season by winning the Super Cup, the first ever silverware for the club.
“Odisha FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of experienced Spanish tactician Sergio Lobera on a two-year deal,” the club said in a statement.
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“This development opens a new chapter for Odisha FC as they aim to win the recently concluded Hero Super Cup and secure a spot in the AFC Cup group stage next season.”
The 46-year-old Lobera is no stranger to Indian football, having spent four seasons in the ISL. He joined FC Goa in 2017 and guided them to the ISL playoffs on all three occasions during his time with the Gaurs. He also won the Super Cup in 2019 and helped the club clinch the League Shield a season later.
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Lobera moved to City Football Group-owned Mumbai City FC ahead of the ISL 2020-21 season and enjoyed more success with the Islanders. MCFC won the League Shield and the ISL title under Lobera that season, becoming the first club to achieve the double.
After a successful season in India, Lobera took on a new challenge with fellow City Football Group side and Chinese club Sichuan Jiuniu. This will be Lobera’s third stint in India and having made a name for themselves in India, Odisha FC will be confident of challenging for the top honors under his tutelage.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – IANS,