Gerard Nus: Who is NorthEast United's new head coach?

The 35-year-old Spaniard is one of the youngest coaches in the history of Indian Super League.

On 25th August NorthEast United announced Spaniard Gerard Nus Casanova as their new head coach for the upcoming season. The Highlanders had put on a disappointing display last time out, where the club finished ninth in the table. Former head coach Robert Jarni was sacked towards the latter half of the previous campaign to be replaced by assistant coach, Khalid Jamil to see out the rest of the season.

The appointment makes Gerard Nus the youngest head coach in the club’s history and the 35-year-old is NorthEast United’s eighth managerial appointment in six seasons. He has had stints as a coach throughout the world, but this is only his third appointment as the head coach of a team.

Let us know more about the new boss of the Highlanders.

Career in football

Unlike most coaches, Gerard Nus did not start out as a player, but rather started coaching at a very young age. By 16 he had completed his coaching badges and it didn’t take him long to be a part of the big leagues. At 22, Nus had joined the prestigious Liverpool academy and became a part of the first-team staff within a year.

Gerard later went on to work with various clubs as an assistant coach, which included the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion and Melbourne Heart.  He was also the assistant coach of the Ghana national team, where he worked with former NorthEast United boss Avram Grant. The team went on to reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015, which they lost on penalties to Cote d’Ivoire.

The Spaniard has also been a head coach, managing Rayo Oklahoma City in 2016 and Irtysh Pavlodar of the Kazakhstan Premier League in 2017. He has also worked as a technical director for various football clubs.

What does he bring to the side?

NorthEast United have had their share of disappointments with coaches, with none of them lasting for more than one season. However, Gerard Nus comes in with a new glimmer of hope. Although, very young, the Spaniard brings with him tremendous coaching experience.

ALSO READ: NorthEast United sign former Wellington Phoenix defender Dylan Fox

Why Him?

NorthEast United’s executive director Priya Runchal said that they were impressed by the Spaniard’s vision for the club. A club that prioritizes the development of youth were convinced that Gerard Nus would be the right man for the job. “He is known to develop budding talent whilst playing a brand of attractive, attacking football. We are confident that he is the right appointment for the club,” she asserted.

Formation, Tactics, Style of Play

Gerard Nus is seen to play an attacking brand of football and his teams usually don’t have a problem with scoring goals. Although, defensively his teams are known to concede their fair share. The Spaniard is known to give youngsters a chance, which is going to play well with NorthEast United supporters. With the signings that have been made, it is likely that he is going to stick to the usual 4-2-3-1 formation.

The club have made some promising acquisitions both domestic as well as international and now with a young and dynamic coach, it looks like an exciting season ahead for the Highlanders. Can Gerard Nus turn out to be only the second head coach to take the Higlanders to the playoffs or will it be another hit and miss? Only time will tell.