List of Odisha FC coaches and their performance in ISL

Odisha FC will look to surely grab their hands on the ISL Shield or Cup.

Odisha FC are among the most popular clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL), the premier football competition in India. Originally established as Delhi Dynamos FC, the team participated in the league’s inaugural season in 2014.

However, ahead of the 2019–20 ISL season, the club underwent a significant transformation, rebranding itself as Odisha FC and relocating to Bhubaneswar, where it made the Kalinga Stadium its home ground.

Odisha FC’s journey began with its first home match as Delhi Dynamos, a goalless draw against Pune City on October 14, 2014, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.

Odisha FC played its debut match under its new identity on October 22, 2019. Initially, they hosted matches at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune before permanently settling in Bhubaneswar.

Odisha FC’s achievements reached a new high in 2023 when they clinched their first major silverware by winning the Indian Super Cup. Later that year, the club made history by qualifying for the AFC Cup group stage for the first time, following a 3–1 victory over Gokulam Kerala in the Indian qualifiers. This marked their debut on the continental stage.

Josep Gombau (August 2018- March 2020, June 2022- March 2023)

Total matches– 65

Won– 24

Draw– 4

Lost– 26

Average points per match-1.3

Best finish- 6

Worst finish- 8

Average finish- 7

Best signing- Diego Mauricio

Biggest signing– Saul Crespo

Worst signing– Osama Malik

Best performing foreigner under him- Diego Mauricio

Best performing Indian under him– Nandha Kumar Sekar

Trophies– None

On August 2, 2018, Josep Gombau was initially appointed head coach of Delhi Dynamos. Ahead of the 2019–20 season, the club rebranded as Odisha FC and relocated to Bhubaneswar. Gombau extended his stay and guided the team to a sixth-place finish, narrowly missing the playoffs. On March 18, 2020, he parted ways with the club for personal reasons.

In May 2021, Gombau joined Odisha FC’s technical committee alongside David Villa and Victor Oñate. He returned as head coach in June 2022 on a two-year deal. Odisha finished sixth in the 2022–23 ISL season, making the playoffs for the first time but losing 2-0 to Mohun Bagan in the knockouts. Under interim coach Clifford Miranda, the team went on to win the 2023 Indian Super Cup, defeating Bengaluru FC in the final.

Kiko Ramirez (July 2021-Jan 2022)

Total matches– 10

Won– 4

Draw– 1

Lost– 5

Average points per match-1.30

Best finish- 7

Worst finish- 7

Average finish- 7

Best signing- Javi Hernandez

Biggest signing– Jonathas

Worst signing– Karan Amin

Best performing foreigner under him- Javi Hernandez

Best performing Indian under him– Nandha Kumar Sekar

Trophies– None

On July 20, 2021, Odisha FC appointed Kiko Ramirez as head coach for the 2021–22 Indian Super League season, alongside Joaquin “Kino” Garcia Sanchez as Assistant Coach and Head of Football Development. Shortly after, on September 1, the club announced a three-year international partnership with Premier League side Watford. Adding to its global outreach, Odisha also finalized a strategic football and commercial partnership with Brazil’s Avaí Futebol Clube on November 4, as part of its Global Football Alliance initiative.

Odisha began their ISL campaign with a memorable 3–1 victory over Bengaluru FC on November 24, marking a strong start to the season. However, inconsistent results followed, and Ramírez was relieved of his duties on January 14, 2022, after managing just two wins in the previous seven matches. Joaquin “Kino” Garcia Sanchez took over as the interim coach for the remaining matches. The team concluded the season in seventh place with 23 points, missing out on a playoff spot despite moments of promise early on.

Sergio Lobera (May 2023- Present)

Total matches– 49

Won– 26

Draw– 11

Lost– 12

Average points per match-1.82

Best finish- 4

Worst finish- N/A

Average finish- N/A

Best signing- Roy Krishna

Biggest signing– Hugo Boumous

Worst signing– N/A

Best performing foreigner under him- Roy Krishna, Hugo Boumous

Best performing Indian under him– N/A

Trophies– N/A

On May 17, 2023, Sergio Lobera returned to India as the head coach of Odisha FC, signing a two-year contract. Odisha began their 2023–24 campaign in the AFC Cup, competing in the South Zone group alongside Mohun Bagan SG, Bashundhara Kings, and Maziya. The team excelled in the group stage, finishing as South Zone winners with 12 points from six matches and advancing to the inter-zonal play-off semi-finals.

In the semi-finals, Odisha faced Australian side Central Coast Mariners. They suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat in the away leg and managed only a goalless draw at home, marking their exit from the competition.

In the 2023–24 Indian Super League season, Odisha had a strong run, finishing fourth on the table with 39 points from 22 matches and securing a playoff spot.

They edged past Kerala Blasters 2-1 in the knock-outs to reach their first-ever semi-finals, where they faced Mohun Bagan SG. Despite a 2-1 home victory in the first leg, a 0-2 loss in the away leg resulted in a 2-3 aggregate defeat, ending their ISL journey.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.