Albert Roca to quit as head coach of Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC
Albert Roca, who led Indian Super League (ISL) side Bengaluru FC for two seasons, opted not to renew his initial two-year deal due to personal reasons.
Albert Roca will quit as head coach of Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC at the end of the 2017-18 season, the club announced on Thursday.
The Spanish manager opted not to renew his initial two-year deal due to personal reasons, bringing an end to a tenure that saw Bengaluru FC become the first Indian club to make the final of the AFC Cup.
He won the Federation Cup in 2017 as well as the inaugural Super Cup in 2018, aside from guiding the club to a fourth consecutive appearance in the knock-out stages of the AFC Cup.
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He even led the club to the final of the ISL 2017/18 in their debut season in the tournament where they finished runners up to Chennaiyin FC.
“It was one of the toughest decisions I have had to make in my managerial career but it’s the right one. Bengaluru FC has been an experience I will always carry with me, no matter where I go,” said Roca in a press release sent out by the club.
“The owners, the management, my staff, players and most importantly, the fans walked with me every step of this journey and I can never forget the love and support I have received here. I will miss being on the touchline for this club, but will always follow its progress,” he added.
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Club CEO Parth Jindal also thanked the former Barcelona assistant coach for his services. “Bengaluru FC and more importantly Indian football will always be grateful for the path that Albert Roca has shown us. Even in difficult situations he stayed true to his philosophy and brand of football and that is a testament to the manager and person he is.
“His idea of how the game is to be played is what we need to be able to compete in Asia and on the world stage. He will always have a place at Bengaluru FC and we wish him the best for his future.”