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The second season of the Indian Super League was one full of goals and drama, with some teams starting the season very well before going on to falter later on while others started pretty badly before getting their acts together and doing well in the knockout stages.For teams like Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa that showed their real quality and stepped up when it was necessary, there were definitely a few characters that helped them a lot in achieving this feat and playing to their potential.Leaders in the respective teams helped them reach their optimal levels of performance and guided them to the maximum of their abilities. These leaders were either the managers of the team or senior squad members, who used their experience and big-match learnings very well.After an exciting conclusion to season 2 of the ISL, we look back at the five best leaders in their respective sides this term:
#1 Marco Materazzi
At a time when Chennaiyin FC looked down and out from the tournament, it was the Italian’s tactical nous that helped the them survive and start their journey to the throne, culminating in their win over Goa in the final to be crowned Champions.
The Abhishek Bachchan co-owned side were bottom of the table when the second round of fixtures started, but their emphatic wins over Delhi Dynamos, Mumbai City FC and FC Goa started their turnaround.
The Italian manager brought Bruno Pelissari into the side in place of the under-performing Elano and with the front two of Jeje and Stiven Mendoza firing on all fronts, Chennaiyin found their stride back.
The side from the South once again showed their ruthless attitude, which they have been known for since last season. Under the tutelage of the World Cup winner, the men in blue bettered their performances from last season, reaching the final and winning it in entertaining style to take home the title.
#2 Chicao
The Brazilian was handed over the captain’s armband in an illustrious Delhi Dynamos squad. The former Corinthians midfielder, who played as a defensive midfielder for the Lions, showed his class on the field and also displayed great leadership skills amongst the Indian players.
Stepping upto take penalties as well as making his presence on the field with his flying tackles and interceptions, the Brazilian was a hit as a player.
On the field, he made sure interacted with the players, and was there to assist his teammates. The Indian players spoke multiple times about how influential the former Club World Cup winner was to the side during their training sessions.
#3 Zico
In his second season in the ISL, Zico went onto prove his managerial credentials even further. After a disappointing loss in the semi-finals last season, the Brazilian led his side to the finals this time, losing out only due to a couple of late goals from Chennai, a contrast to when they beating Delhi Dynamos rather comprehensively in their semi-final.
Goa were without doubt the most lethal side in front of the goal, scoring 34 goals in 17 games this season. While the side struggled for momentum midway into the season, the acquisition of Dudu was certainly a turning point for the Gaurs as the former Dempo striker showed his experience in Indian conditions, coming up with key goals for the side.
The tactical changes made by the ‘White Pele’ were well-praised, as results were instantly visible. Under his tutelage, it is no secret that the Indian players hit a new level considering their performances, most notably Kattimani and Romeo Fernandes.
#4 Antonio Habas
While the critics have hardly left Habas and have questioned him at every step, it is no secret that the Spanish coach once again showed that he is the most consistent manager in the ISL.
Despite all the adversities the side had to go through in the absence of Helder Postiga, Habas and his staff did well to paper over the cracks. He was rightly praised for the usage of Sameehg Doutie in midfield and the fine performance of Iain Hume, who has only gone onto become a more versatile player this season.
The acquisition of the Canadian turned out to be the masterstroke, and though the loss of Edel Bete and Fikru came back to haunt Habas, the Spaniard will hardly regret the decision of replacing the African striker with Hume, considering the performances of the two this season.
#5 Cesar Farias
While NorthEast failed to make it into the final stages of the competition, their performances this time around certainly grabbed everyone’s attention.
Finishing at the bottom last season, the John Abraham-owned side appointed Cesar Farias as their manager and the Venezuelan took the NorthEast side to within touching distance of the play-off places.
Despite losing marquee player Simao to an injury initially, the side coped well and steadied the ship following a weak start to the tournament. Farias’s side impressed at home and their jump from the bottom to the fifth place is certainly praiseworthy.
He used his players in the right manner, and rotated them in a timely way to maintain their fitness levels. Their resurgence towards the end made them a side to be feared about and the 42-year old would certainly be looking at why they couldn’t show a similar spark from the very beginning.
