Former Pune City head coach Marcos Paqueta holds first training session with Botafogo

The Brazilian was roped in by the Stallions to replace former head coach Ranko Popovic. 

In a sensational turn of events, FC Pune City have lost their recently unveiled head coach Marcos Paqueta even before he could manage a single game with the club. Brazilian side Botafogo FR announced the appointment of Paqueta as their new head coach on Wednesday through social media. After relinquishing Ranko Popovic from the managerial position, the Stallions looked to mean business by bringing in the former Brazilian U-20 coach, who has the reputation of being an astute manager.

Motivação e vontade de vencer! Professor Marcos Paquetá comanda primeiro treino à frente da equipe alvinegra! #VamosFOGO ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/BFRvVLpJSJ

— Botafogo F.R. (@Botafogo) June 27, 2018

Paqueta was supposed to take the helm of the side in a few months time and start his work during Pune City's pre-season training. He was also set to become the second Brazilian manager after Zico to manage in the Indian Super League and take the Stallions to new heights next season.

There were a lot of expectations from Paqueta at the helm of Pune City and it was thought that the Stallions could do one better and go all the way under his guidance next season. But, this revelation shows how cunning the tactician was to seize the opportunity and manage a club he obviously rates higher than Pune City.

Along with the news, Botafogo also posted pictures of Paqueta holding his first training session with the players. This sudden turn of events will definitely be a cause of worry for Pune City, who made the decision to part ways with Popovic, who had done good work with the squad and even taken the Stallions to the ISL semi-finals last season.

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Paqueta would have been a more than able replacement for the Serbian coach, but it seems like Pune City fans can stop dreaming of any chances of Samba football coming to their club. This also leaves the Stallions' management in cold water and they will have to come up with a swift response and replacement for the departed coach. Also, hiring another coach could mean a complete revamp of the plans they had with Paqueta in mind and some complications could arise because of this.

Pune City will see their U-19 team attempt to defend their IFA Shield title next month in Kolkata, where they will take on Kolkata sides ATK, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and others. The Stallions will also begin their pre-season training soon afterwards and will need the players to be in top shape before the ISL kicks off.