Gerard Zaragoza Profile: Back to Bengaluru FC but as the boss

Gerard Zaragoza was Carles Cuadrat’s assistant at Bengaluru FC.

In the aftermath of a demoralising 4-0 defeat by Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC made a significant coaching change by parting ways with Simon Grayson. Grayson, who began his tenure at the start of the 2022-23 season, achieved notable successes, securing victory in the Durand Cup and leading the team to the finals of both the Super Cup and the Indian Super League. 

The club has swiftly moved to appoint a new leader, welcoming Spanish tactician Gerard Zaragoza as the Head Coach. Zaragoza, with a deal extending until the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, brings his expertise to guide Bengaluru FC through the challenges ahead, marking a new chapter for the club under his leadership. 

Here we look at the profile of Gerard Zaragoza.

Career

Gerard Zaragoza, Bengaluru FC’s newly appointed boss, brings a wealth of coaching experience to the team. With previous stints at Greek side Panserraikos and, more recently, the UAE Pro League’s Khor Fakkan Club, Zaragoza earned recognition as Manager of the Week on two occasions during his tenure. 

His coaching journey includes a diverse range of roles, including managing the Catalonia U-14s and U-16s, as well as contributing to Aspire Academy’s Qatari branch (2010). Zaragoza’s coaching trajectory led him to Erovnuli Liga 2 side Locomotive Tbilisi in 2012, where he achieved promotion to Liga 1 the following year. 

Notably, he played a crucial role as Assistant Coach to Carles Cuadrat in Bengaluru FC’s title-winning journey in 2018-19. Post that success, Zaragoza took the helm as Head Coach at Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC’s U-21s, eventually managing the First Team. His tenure saw Al-Ahli make a quarter-final finish in the AFC Champions League, showcasing his tactical acumen and leadership on the football stage. 

Tactics

On paper, Gerard Zaragoza’s tactical approach appears to favour a 3-5-2 formation, but it shifts to a 4-2-3-1 during the offensive phase. Drawing from his experience under Carles Cuadrat, the team displayed heightened sharpness in various aspects. Notably, set-pieces became a potent weapon, showcasing the meticulous planning and execution instilled by Zaragoza. 

The midfield demonstrated a tendency to overload, creating numerical advantages and dictating control in crucial areas of the pitch. This approach aligned with a suffocating defensive strategy, pressuring opponents and disrupting their play. Short passes and exquisite crosses marked Bengaluru’s style, emphasising technical prowess and precision in build-up play.

As per his tactics in different clubs, he adopts possession-based gameplay. Zaragoza’s tactical imprint from his time under Cuadrat, where the team clinched the ISL title, hints at a continuity of successful strategies.

Things to watch out for

Indeed, Gerard Zaragoza, at 41, faces the daunting task of stepping into a role with limited senior managerial experience, attempting to fill the significant void left by Simon Grayson at the Kanteerava.

Zaragoza inherits a squad that experienced a dip in performance compared to the previous season’s highs. Despite reaching the finals of both the ISL and the Super Cup, Bengaluru FC fell short against Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC, missing out on silverware. Their last triumph came in the form of the Durand Cup last season, adding to the challenges Zaragoza faces in revitalising the team’s form and aspirations for success.

However, given Zaragoza’s prior experience in India and his involvement in an ISL-winning squad under Carles Cuadrat, there is optimism that the team could stage a remarkable comeback this season. There is potential for them to rebound strongly, aiming to secure a coveted top-four position in the league standings.

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