Sergio Lobera reveals why he chose Odisha FC over other ISL clubs

The two-time ISL-winning manager was touted for a return to the competition with a different club but shocked everyone with his choice.

As of 4th April, East Bengal FC had indicated that Sergio Lobera had “verbally” agreed to sign for them and in a few days the tactician was seeking a no-objection certificate (NoC) from his then current employer, Chinese club Sichuan Jiuniu. But come July, he has a completely different stance as he is all set to join Hero Super Cup 2023 winners Odisha FC.

Apparently, the Kolkata-based club had a stringent deadline after the departure of Stephen Constantine. In addition, player transfers were already well underway and needed to be shaped by the incoming coach’s strategies and demands.

Accordingly, they chose to go with another former ISL-winner, Carles Cuadrat. The Spaniard brought his Galatasaray experience to Bengaluru FC in 2016. He was moved up to the head coach position after Albert Roca’s departure in 2017.

Why did Lobera choose to give his signature to Odisha FC?

Sergio Lobera had already acquired his NoC by the time East Bengal had chosen Cuadrat as Constantine’s successor. Hence his own journey to scout for clubs for a return to the league began and it is important to mention that he had no shortage of suitors.

Eventually, Odisha FC moved in with a promising project and the prospect of working with his former players like Mourtada Fall, Amey Ranawade and Ahmed Jahouh. Talking to The Times of India (TOI), the experienced tactician mentioned:

"It’s true I had offers from other clubs, other countries, but in the end, I had a meeting with Rohan(Sharma), Raj (Athwal), Abhik (Chatterjee), and at this meeting, I felt there was a very good project with very good people driving it. I would be comfortable working at this club. I had that feeling. For many, it may be difficult to understand why, after winning everything, I returned to India. But for me, its the feeling, the connect, the happiness to do my job in the best way possible. After the meeting (with Odisha FC) I felt this is the place I want to work."