For first time, ISL clubs show faith in domestic coaches

Panaji: The top-tier Indian Super League (ISL) will have four domestic coaches at the helm for the first time this season. But while that signifies increased opportunities for qualified Indian coaches starved of such chances, there is also greater scrutiny.

Former ISL champions Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC have appointed Renedy Singh and Clifford Miranda as head coaches, while Odisha FC made a late decision with TG Purushothaman and Mohammedan Sporting Club stuck with Mehrajuddin Wadoo due to a transfer ban that will see them field an all-Indian lineup.




The appointments underline the growing trust in Indian coaches within the ISL ecosystem, even though there are just 13 games to be played on a home-and-away format in the top tier this season.

“It’s a good chance to develop and do well, but it’s never easy for an Indian,” said Bengaluru’s Renedy Singh. “I’ve seen this in the past; if a foreigner loses 4-0 then it’s tactical, but if the same happens with a domestic coach, he’s at fault, not good enough. In India, football coaches rarely get a second chance. We have to bear that in mind.”

A former India captain from Manipur, Renedy shouldered the expectations during his time with SC East Bengal. He started as an assistant coach during the 2021-22 season and was promoted to the top post following the sacking of Jose Manuel Diaz, after the Kolkata giants failed to win any of their first eight games.

Renedy recorded consecutive draws against strong opponents like Bengaluru and Mumbai City with just two foreign players, and then made heads turn by boldly fielding an all-Indian starting XI. Now, with Bengaluru, a side that has several national team players, the bar has been set higher.

“I must thank everyone at the club for believing in me. Bengaluru is a big club, and everyone knows their stature (in Indian football), the players they have. It’s important to do well. At a time when Indian football is going through a tough time, this is a good opportunity for coaches. It is important for us to do well, so that other clubs get the necessary confidence to make such appointments,” said Renedy.

Former India coach Manolo Marquez is happy at the appointments, even though many are guided by compulsions rather than choice. The experienced Spaniard now wants all of them to make it count.

“These are good moves for Indian football,” said the ISL champion and a two-time Super Cup winner with FC Goa. “Maybe the decisions are due to budgetary constraints, but it can work. Like at Barcelona, when they took players from the academy, and look at the level of performance. This is a great chance for Indian coaches. I know them, they have the talent. I hope they have a good season, because that will ensure more chances for domestic coaches.”