Top five managers with most games managed in ISL history

A list of some of the longest-tenured coaches who have left an indelible mark in league history.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has witnessed the incomings and outgoings of some of the finest and brightest managerial minds since its debut season in 2014. The tacticians not only shaped their teams’ fortunes but also played a significant role in raising the league’s standards in totality.

Managers are the heart and soul of a club and play a pivotal role in setting their team to achieve the best results. While many managers were only been able to stay in their jobs for a short while, there were a few who made a name for themselves in the top division of Indian football.

Here’s a look at the top five managers who have managed the most games in Indian Super League history.

5. Juan Ferrando – 78 Matches

Coming in at number five is Spanish head coach Juan Ferrando, who managed 78 games during his time in the ISL. The Spaniard showed great tactical awareness and won silverware during his time with FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan. While the 43-year-old only managed to win a Durand Cup trophy with Goa, his best stint as a head coach came during his time with ATK Mohun Bagan.

As the head coach, he led the team to the ISL Championship trophy during the 2022-2023 season and also won his second Durand Cup trophy during the 2023-2024 season. The Spaniard was well known for his commitment to play an attacking brand of football and displayed tactical flexibility as a rising star among ISL managers during his time.

4. Owen Coyle – 90 Matches

Holding the 4th spot on the list is Irish manager Owen Coyle, who left a significant impact on the ISL, with 90 games under his belt. The Irish coach revitalized Chennaiyin FC during the 2019-20 season, taking them to the ISL final against ATK Mohun Bagan. While Chennaiyin FC lost the final, his contributions to leading the team were highly praised by fans and critics alike.

The Irishman also played a crucial role in transforming Jamshedpur FC after joining them during the 2020-2021 season into ISL Shield winners during the 2021-2022 season. As a manager, Coyle possesses the ability to adapt and inspire his players. While he wasn’t able to win the ISL title, he will be aiming to win his first ISL title as the Chennaiyin FC head coach this season and cement his Indian Super League legacy.

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3. Manolo Marquez – 100 Matches

Cracking into the top three of this list is the Indian national team and FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez. The Spaniard recently reached the milestone of 100 ISL games during the ISL game against his former side Hyderabad FC. The Spanish tactical master played an instrumental part in Hyderabad FC’s resurgence after joining them in the 2020-2021 campaign.

Under his stewardship, the team won their maiden ISL title in the 2021-22 season beating Kerala Blasters FC by a score of 4-2 in the final. Since then, the Spaniard has become the head coach of FC Goa while simultaneously managing the Indian national team duties.

A manager known for his emphasis on nurturing young talent and playing attractive football, Marquez is arguably still one of the best managers in the league this season.

2. Antonio Lopez Habas – 112 Matches

Antonio López Habas comes in at the No. 2 spot while being the only manager to lead a team to two ISL titles. Having managed 112 matches in the dugout, Habas is a cult figure at every club he has ever coached. The Spanish tactician’s disciplined and pragmatic approach made him a fan favorite, especially during his time with Atletico de Kolkata, who won the debut edition of the ISL.

He also managed Pune City and ATK Mohun Bagan for multiple seasons and won his second ISL title during the 2019-2020 season with ATK. The fiery Spaniard has a unique knack for getting the best out of his squads, consistently ensuring his teams compete every game at the highest levels.

Currently the head coach of Inter Kashi in the I-League, Habas is creating another promising team that could be a dominant force in the coming years. His name will forever be etched into the top division of Indian football for his invaluable contributions to popularising the game in the subcontinent.

1. Sergio Lobera – 114 Matches

Topping the list is another Spaniard and current Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera. The 47-year-old has made his name synonymous with success in the ISL and is arguably beloved by every fan of the league. With 114 matches under his belt, Lobera is known for his attacking philosophy and tactical brilliance in games which set up his teams for success.

His stints with FC Goa where he won the Indian Super Cup during the 2018-2019 season highlighted his hunger to win trophies. However, the career-defining moment for Lobera came during the 2020-2021 season with Mumbai City FC leading the team to win the domestic double capturing the League Winners’ Shield and the ISL title.

The Spaniard’s ability to build cohesive units made him one of the most respected figures to grace Indian football. While it has been some time since his last trophy, Lobera is currently building a special project as Odisha FC’s head coach.

Despite a difficult start this season, the Spaniard has steadied the ship as they currently sit 3rd on the ISL league standings. Lobera, whenever he decides to step away will go down as one of the best coaches to ever be on the touchline of an Indian Super League game.

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