Top five coaches from ISL 2023-24 season

These coaches achieved certain milestones for their respective ISL outfits.

The Indian Super League (ISL) put curtains on its 10th edition following a breathtaking grand finale that saw Mumbai City FC clinch their second title against Mohun Bagan. The 2023-24 season was different in its own ways and had so much offer.

From Punjab FC becoming the first ever I-League side to get promoted to the ISL to the picture perfect ending of the league season, we saw it all. It was possibly the most competitive ISL season in recent times and so much so that six teams were fighting for a single spot until the final phase of the league. And the credit goes to the head coaches who made all of this possible.

On that note, let us take a look at the top five coaches from the ISL 2023-24 season.

5. Staikos Vergetis

The Greek manager made Punjab FC the I-League champions last season and the first ever side to gain promotion in the Indian top flight. Staikos continued his good work at the helm for Punjab even in the ISL. Despite a forgettable start to the league, Punjab FC fought back really well and became a serious contender for a place in the top-six, but missed out by the finest of margins. The Shers finished eighth on the points table with 24 points in their debut ISL season.

4. Manolo Marquez

Manolo Marquez has been one of the best managers to have coached the beautiful game in the country. He made a move to FC Goa in summer after a title-winning stint with Hyderabad FC, but nothing changed in terms of his approach and intentions. Under Manolo, FC Goa became one of the most consistent sides in the league and also ended their playoff drought with a third-place finish. 

3. Juan Pedro Benali

Juan Pedro Benali’s NorthEast United have been the story of the season. The Highlanders’ new boss turned things around massively in the favour of his side in his debut season. Benali changed the way NorthEast United operated from top to bottom. From finishing 11th in the league last season to missing out on the playoffs by just one point, NorthEast United came a long way. 

2. Antonio Lopez Habas

Antonio Lopez Habas came in midway through the season after Bagan decided to part ways with their title-winning head coach Juan Ferrando. Habas came in and revolutionized Mohun Bagan in every aspect. He got the best out of the resources that were available to him and took Bagan on a fairytale run to the ISL final while helping them win their first league shield. He proved yet again why he is the ISL’s most successful manager.

1. Petr Kratky

Petr Kratky deserves a true pat on his back for everything that he pulled off at Mumbai City FC. He was brought in at a stage when the Islanders were in the upper half of the table and the main challenge was to keep getting the results as Des Buckingham did. He surpassed all the expectations and scripted Mumbai’s magical story of winning their second ISL title. Kratky managed the Islanders as if he has been there forever and nothing was new to him. Imagine if he can do so much in just half a season, then what he can pull off if he gets one full season?

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