NorthEast United appoint former Real Madrid midfielder Robert Jarni as new head coach

The Croatian replaces Eelco Schattorie at the helm of the Highlanders.

Indian Super League outfit NorthEast United FC have appointed former Real Madrid player Robert Jarni as their new head coach.

The 50-year-old Croatian tactician was also a well-decorated player, having played for clubs like Los Blancos and Juventus. He was also a part of the Croatia national team alongside India national team coach Igor Stimac, which came third in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Jarni came into coaching way back in 2007 after hanging up his boots and was at the helm of Hajduk Split for a short while. He also has managerial experience at FK Sarajevo, a club from Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Pecsi and Puskas Akademia from Hungary.

He was then handed the job to train the Croatia U-19 team back in 2017 and after completing two years his term came to an end back in May.

NorthEast United were also without a head coach since Eelco Schatorrie joined Kerala Blasters at the start of the transfer window. The Highlanders were exceptional under the Dutchman, as he inspired the Guwahati-based outfit to qualify for the ISL playoffs for the first time in the club's history.

Hence, it will be a tough task for Jarni to emulate the feat of his predecessor. The Croatian tactician will have the experienced Khalid Jamil in close vicinity as the assistant head coach. Jamil will guide Jarni in his learning of Indian football and the strengths and weaknesses of the players.

Although, their Nigerian talisman Bartholomew Ogbeche has also joined the Blasters, the Highlanders have snapped up Wayne Vaz and talented Indian Arrows duo Ningthoiganba Meetei and Lalengmawia. While they are still in search of an ideal man to lead their line, they have already held on to some crucial players from last season.

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The former Croatia international expressed his joy after being appointed as the head coach of NEUFC. He said, “I am thrilled to take on this role at NorthEast United and the project has my full commitment. This is my first foray into managing an Asian club and I am thrilled to bring in an exciting brand of football, which the supporters will thoroughly enjoy.”

NorthEast United’s Executive Director Priya Runchal was also optimistic about the appointment, as she said, “The club is determined to add to the success of last year and Jarni brings the right blend of experience and tactical insight to take this team forward, with a focus on youth development.”