ISL: Head coaches with most wins in Indian Super League

These coaches have also guided their team to ISL Cups and Shields.

Titles may define a season, but the number of wins defines a coach. In the constantly shifting and improving Indian Super League (ISL), where the amount of pressure is constant and expectations are huge, only a handful of managers have risen above the rest. They didn’t just manage a team in the league; they dominated it.

Over the years, the Indian Super League has welcomed a diverse array of coaching talent from across the globe. From Spain to England, these tacticians have brought their own philosophies to Indian shores and many of them have found success, lifting league shields, ISL trophies, and redefining standards along the way.

Here is a list of the top 5 coaches with the most wins in the ISL.

5. Juan Ferrando – 33 wins in 78 games

Juan Ferrando has a reputation as one of the brightest tactical minds in the Indian Super League. He began his journey with FC Goa in 2020, where he introduced a high-possession, attack-heavy style and helped them to win the AFC Champions League group stage.

Midway in the 2021–22 season, Juan Ferrando made an unexpected move to ATK Mohun Bagan and quickly built one of the league’s most dominant sides of the year. His approach combined Spanish fluidity with defensive structure, leading the Mariners to the ISL Cup in 2022–23 and consistent top finishes and multiple playoff runs with 33 wins in 78 games

4. Owen Coyle – 43 wins in 104 Matches

Owen Coyle is one of the most influential coaches to step into the Indian Super League, who is especially known for helping struggling teams and turning them into title contenders. He first arrived in India in 2019–20, taking charge of Chennaiyin FC mid-season and guiding them to that season’s ISL final appearance.

He later took over Jamshedpur FC and led them to their League Shield in 2021–22, their best-ever finish. After a brief return to Scotland, Owen Coyle came back to the ISL with Chennaiyin in 2023–24 and once again brought a competitive edge and fighting spirit to the side.

With 54 wins, a major title, and a reputation for motivating squads into overachievers, Owen Coyle remains a fan favourite and one of the most respected coaches in the Indian Super League.

3. Antonio Habas – 54 wins in 112 matches

Antonio Lopez Habas is the most successful coach in Indian Super League history when it comes to trophies. He led ATK to two ISL Cup wins first in the league’s inaugural 2014 season, and again in 2019–20. Between those stints, he also managed FC Pune City in 2016.

Following these years, Habas briefly served as technical director before returning as head coach in 2023–24, guiding Mohun Bagan Super Giant to the League Shield. With over 112 matches under his belt and three major trophies, Habas remains a strong figure in Kolkata football and ISL History.

2. Manolo Marquez – 60 wins in 116 matches

Manolo Márquez has been one of the most impactful coaches in Indian Super League history. Taking over Hyderabad FC in 2020, he had transformed the club from being the underdogs to the ISL champions by lifting the 2021–22 ISL Cup and building a team known for tactical discipline and trust in young Indian talent.

After three seasons with Hyderabad FC, he moved to FC Goa in 2023–24, leading them to back-to-back ISL playoffs and guiding them to a Super Cup title. With over 60 wins and silverware with two different clubs, Manolo Marquez is undoubtedly among the ISL’s most respected managers.

1. Sergio Lobera – 63 wins in 128 games

Sergio Lobera remains the most successful coach in Indian Super League history in terms of wins. As someone who plays possession-based football and with a calm touchline presence, he led FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, and Odisha FC with consistency.

His 2020–21 season with Mumbai was the most historic as Lobera was seen winning both the League Shield and the ISL Cup, which was the first-ever domestic double in ISL history. Lobera’s tactical fluency and ability to bring the best out of attacking players earned him 63 wins in 128 games.

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