Top five managers with most games managed in ISL history

The Indian Super League (ISL) has experienced the arrival and departure of numerous exceptional managerial talents since its debut season in 2014. The tacticians not only shaped their teams’ fortunes but also contributed significantly in elevating the overall standards of the league.

Managers serve as the core and driving force of a club, playing a crucial role in guiding their team towards achieving optimal results. While many managers were only able to stay in their jobs for a short while, there were a few who made a name for themselves in the top division of Indian football.

In this article, let’s look at the top five managers who have managed the most games in Indian Super League history.

5. Juan Ferrando – 78 Matches

Positioned at fifth place is Spanish head coach Juan Ferrando, who managed a total of 78 matches throughout his tenure in the ISL. The Spaniard demonstrated exceptional tactical insight and secured trophies during his tenure with FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan. The 43-year-old achieved notable success by securing a Durand Cup trophy with Goa; however, his most distinguished period as a head coach occurred during his tenure with ATK Mohun Bagan.

As the head coach, he guided the team to victory in the ISL Championship during the 2022-2023 season and won his second Durand Cup trophy in the 2023-2024 season.  The Spaniard was well known for his commitment to play an attacking brand of football and demonstrated tactical adaptability, establishing himself as an emerging talent among ISL managers during his time.

4. Owen Coyle – 90 Matches

Irish manager Owen Coyle holds the fourth position on the list, having made a notable contribution to the ISL through his management of 90 matches. The Irish coach rejuvenated Chennaiyin FC in the 2019-20 season, leading the team to the ISL final against ATK Mohun Bagan. While Chennaiyin FC lost the final, his contributions to leading the team were highly praised by fans and critics alike.

The Irishman significantly contributed to the transformation of Jamshedpur FC after his arrival in the 2020-2021 season, leading the team to become ISL Shield winners in the 2021-2022 season. Coyle demonstrates a capacity to adjust and motivate his players in his role as a manager. Although he did not secure the ISL title previously, he is determined to achieve his first ISL title as the head coach of Chennaiyin FC this season, thereby solidifying his legacy in the Indian Super League.

3. Manolo Marquez – 100 Matches

Securing a position among the top three on this list is the Indian national team, along with FC Goa's head coach, Manolo Marquez. The Spaniard recently achieved the significant milestone of participating in 100 ISL matches during the encounter against his former team, Hyderabad FC. The Spanish tactical master played an instrumental part in Hyderabad FC’s resurgence after joining them in the 2020-2021 campaign.

During his leadership, the team secured their first ISL title in the 2021-22 season, triumphing over Kerala Blasters FC with a final score of 4-2. The Spaniard has since taken on the role of head coach for FC Goa, while also fulfilling his responsibilities with the Indian national team. Marquez, recognized for his focus on developing young talent and promoting an appealing style of play, is arguably among the top managers in the league this season.

2. Antonio Lopez Habas – 112 Matches

Antonio López Habas ranks second, distinguished as the sole manager to have guided a team to two ISL titles. Having managed 112 matches in the dugout, Habas is a cult figure at every club he has ever coached. The disciplined and pragmatic methodology of the Spanish tactician endeared him to fans, particularly during his tenure with Atletico de Kolkata, who won the debut edition of the ISL.

He also oversaw the management of Pune City and ATK Mohun Bagan for several seasons, securing his second ISL title with ATK in the 2019-2020 season. The passionate Spaniard possesses a remarkable ability to maximize the potential of his teams, consistently motivating them to perform at their best in every match.

At present, Habas serves as the head coach of Inter Kashi in the I-League, where he is in the process of developing another promising team that has the potential to become a formidable force in the years ahead. His name will eternally be inscribed in the upper echelons of Indian football due to his significant efforts in promoting the sport throughout the subcontinent.

1. Sergio Lobera – 114 Matches

Leading the list is another Spaniard, Sergio Lobera, who currently serves as the head coach of Odisha FC. The 47-year-old has established a reputation for success in the ISL and is arguably cherished by all fans of the league. With 114 matches under his belt, Lobera is known for his attacking philosophy and tactical brilliance in games which set up his teams for success.

His time with FC Goa, during which he secured the Indian Super Cup in the 2018-2019 season, underscored his desire for success and achievement in the realm of trophies. The pivotal moment in Lobera's career occurred during the 2020-2021 season while he was with Mumbai City FC, where he successfully guided the team to achieve a domestic double by winning both the League Winners’ Shield and the ISL title.

The Spaniard’s ability to build cohesive units made him one of the most respected figures to grace Indian football. Lobera, although having not secured a trophy for some time, is presently engaged in developing a special project as Odisha FC’s head coach.

The Spaniard has managed to stabilize the situation following a challenging beginning to the season, as the team now occupies the 3rd position in the ISL league standings. Lobera, upon his eventual departure, will be remembered as one of the finest coaches to have ever graced the touchline in an Indian Super League match.

Cover Credits - ISL Official