Odisha FC has named Sergio Lobera, a former Indian Super League (ISL) League Shield and title winner, as their new head coach.
The club aim to achieve even greater things under Lobera’s guidance after a successful campaign in the 2022-23 season, during which the Eastern Dragons, as they are known, qualified for the ISL playoffs for the first time since their inception and won the Super Cup. It was the first silverware for the club.
“Odisha FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of experienced Spanish tactician Sergio Lobera on a 2-year deal,” the club said in a statement.
“This development marks a new chapter for Odisha FC, as they aim to elevate their status next season having won the recently concluded Hero Super Cup and securing a spot in the AFC Cup Group Stage,” it added.
The 46-year-old Lobera is no stranger to Indian football, having coached in the ISL for four seasons. He joined FC Goa in 2017 and led them to the ISL playoffs on all three occasions. He also won the Super Cup in 2019 and in the following season, helped the club clinch the League Shield.
Lobera moved to Mumbai City FC, owned by City Football Group, before the ISL 2020-21 season and enjoyed further success with the Islanders. MCFC secured both the League Shield and the ISL title that season under Lobera, becoming the first club to achieve the double.
After a successful season in India, Lobera took up a new challenge with Chinese club Sichuan Jiuniu, also owned by City Football Group. With three stints in India now, Lobera has made a name for himself in the country, and Odisha FC will be confident of challenging for top honours under his guidance.