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#1 Albert Roca
Former Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca is the hot favourite for the job. The virtual leader behind Bengaluru FC’s recent success, Roca has all the qualities needed to guide India. He took Bengaluru FC to the final of AFC Cup, a first for an Indian team. Under him, Bengaluru ended runners-up in their debut ISL season.
None other than Sunil Chhetri voted for him. According to the TOI report, Chhetri urged the top bosses of Indian football to replace Constantine with Roca. The two have an unshakeable relationship. During their time in Bengaluru, Roca often praised Chhetri for his leadership quality.
Last season, when Chhetri's hat-trick took Bengaluru to the ISL final, Roca had said, “He is simply outstanding and there are no words to define him. In such an important game he stepped up. His age does not matter. He pushes others and shows amazing intensity.”
Chhetri, in turn, tweeted during Roca’s departure, “Thank you, mister! One of the best managers I’ve played under and an even better human being. Bengaluru FC and Indian Football will miss you!”
The former Barcelona coach deployed the Spanish touch in his side, i.e. to keep possession of the ball for long periods of time. That worked wonders as Bengaluru dominated possession throughout the season. Bengaluru acquired the best recruits available, including a transfer of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu from Norwegian club Stabaek FC.
Some of the players in the national team were handpicked by Roca. As he knows other players well, it is expected he’ll form a formidable relationship, which is expected from a coach.
