Top five most successful Indian football coaches of this century

Some of the names in the list has gone on to win multiple trophies in their career.

The Indian football received the necessary exposure of the international fraternity in the 21st century. While a limited numbers of players and coaches used to ply their trade in Indian football before that - it was largely associated with the countrymen.

The inflow of overseas coaches and players changed the dynamics of Indian football. However, the Indian coaches have also done a great job till now in the development of the game in the country. Here are the top five most successful Indian coaches of this century.

5. Khalid Jamil

Khalid Jamil began his managerial career at erstwhile Mumbai FC in 2009. He worked for the club for six years, making a name for himself for nurturing youngsters. He joined Aizawl FC ahead of the 2016-17 season, before guiding them to their first I-League title.

Following his with Aizawl, Jamil joined Kolkata giants East Bengal. He couldn’t replicate his performance for the Red & Gold Brigade and left the club. In January 2019, he was appointed the interim coach of Mohun Bagan for the remainder of the season.

He later joined ISL outfit NorthEast United ahead of the 2019-20 season. He was appointed as the interim head coach of the Highlanders for the rest of the season after Gerard Nus was sacked midway into the season. He led the club to a playoffs finish in the previous season.

4. Derrick Pereira

The current Technical Director of FC Goa, Derrick Pereira has managed more than a handful of Indian clubs. However, he got his major breakthrough at Mahindra United. He was at the helm between 2005-2009, winning four trophies (one NFL, one Federation Cup and two IFA Shields).

The tactician also has prior experience of managing at Pune FC, DSK Shivajians, Salgaocar and Churchill Brothers. He has also managed the Indian U-23 side in 2019.

3. Sanjoy Sen

Sanjoy Sen began his managerial career with Prayag United in 2010. The 60-year-old won his first silverware with iconic Kolkata club Mohammedan Sporting Club in 2013, when the clinched the Durand Cup. In the same year, he guided the black panthers to the runners up finish in the 2nd Division I-League.

In the subsequent year, Sen won the IFA Shield with Mohammedan before joining Mohun Bagan. In his debut season with the Mariners, he guided them to win the I-League (first top flight title in 14 years). Furthermore, Mohun Bagan also won the Federation Cup under his tutelage in 2015-16 season.

Sanjoy Sen also won the ISL as an assistant coach of erstwhile ATK in the 2019-20 season. Currently, he is working as assistant coach to Antonio Lopez Habas at ATK Mohun Bagan.

2. Subhash Bhowmick

Subhash Bhowmick is one of the most celebrated coaches in Indian football. The veteran tactician is said to be a superior strategist than most of the coaches of his era, despite being an AFC B License holder. During his second stint with East Bengal, he helped the Red & Gold Brigade win back to back NFL titles in 2003-04 and 2004-05.

He has also won the CFL, IFA Shield and Durand Cup.  Under his stewardship, East Bengal won the LG ASEAN Club Cup in 2003, which is considered his greatest trophy win.

1. Armando Colaco

Considered among the best Indian coaches of this century, Armando Colaco made his name at Dempo SC. He coached the Goan outfit Dempo for thirteen years, winning five league titles. Apart from that, he had also won the Federation Club and Durand Cup.

Under his tutelage, Dempo became the first team from India to reach the AFC Cup semi finals. He also coached East Bengal and Churchill Brothers but couldn’t replicate the success.

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