Kerala Blasters, Jamshedpur FC go head-to-head to appoint Sergio Lobera

 The Spaniard recently faced the axe at Indian Super League outfit FC Goa.

Indian Super League sides Kerala Blasters and Jamshedpur FC are leading the race to sign former FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera, sources have told Khel Now. FC Goa had, in a quite shocking move, parted ways with the Spaniard earlier this month. The latest development indicates that the former FC Goa tactician remains a much-coveted commodity in the Indian football market, with as many as four ISL clubs chasing his signature. Jamshedpur FC and Kerala Blasters, both have had a disappointing campaign this time around. They languish in seventh and eighth position respectively in the points table. Both stand no chance of making it to the playoff either. However, they are keen to rope in Sergio Lobera, who comes with an impressive CV and has good experience of working in India.

Jamshedpur FC keen to bring in entertaining Spanish brand of football

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] As for Jamshedpur FC, the Men of Steel and La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are in a tie-up and the Tata Steel-owned club would be interested in playing an entertaining Spanish brand of football. Lobera, arguably among the best coaches the ISL has ever seen, is someone who could help Jamshedpur revamp their style into one of the most entertaining in Indian football. FC Goa have scored a whopping 36 goals in the Indian Super League this season, while Jamshedpur FC have only managed half of that. That explains how lethal an attacking force the Gaurs have become under the 43-year-old.

Kerala Blasters making long-term plans

Meanwhile, this is the third consecutive campaign in which Kerala Blasters have failed to break into the top four. The management are looking for long-term options and see Sergio Lobera as someone who could lead the Yellow Army to glory. With results not in favour of the incumbent Eelco Schattorie, they might be forced to pull the trigger. In a recent press conference, assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed too spoke about the speculation surrounding his boss. "There are so many rumours. For now, Eelco is very much part of the team. But, nobody knows what will happen in future." [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Yet, to be fair, Eelco Schattorie has done well at an injury-hit Kerala Blasters in terms of the football played. However, results do not paint the same picture. As Ahmed pointed out, Blasters have dominated most of their opponents in terms of possession. They also have one of the best attacks in the Indian Super League this season. Skipper Bartholomew Ogbeche has amassed 11 goals for the Blasters in the Indian top flight so far. Moreover, his attacking partner Raphael Messi Bouli too has seven goals to his name. The midfield has also improved largely. But, their most notable problem persists at the back and with Sandesh Jhingan sidelined, that is understandable.

Offers from Spain for Sergio Lobera

Apart from these two Indian Super League sides, Khel Now understands that the Spaniard has also received offers from  Spain. However, Sergio Lobera is keen to remain in India and joining an ISL club will be his priority. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] Sergio Lobera had been at the helm of FC Goa since 2017 and helped guide them to their first trophy, when they beat Chennaiyin FC 2-1 in the Super Cup final in 2019. FC Goa had transformed into one of the most entertaining and consistent sides in the league during his tenure. The Gaurs had reached the playoffs in his very first season and also made it into the final in the second. Even as the third campaign goes on, until the time the Spaniard departed, FC Goa were atop the league. His departure from the Goan outfit has certainly sent shockwaves around the Indian football circuit. Rumours of a dressing room meltdown were circulated, but Khel Now revealed exactly why the club decided to sack him. Nevertheless, the work he has done in India over the years speaks for him and that is exactly why he remains in demand. As the latest developments suggest, it won't be long before Sergio Lobera returns to the Indian Super League, albeit as the head coach of another outfit.