The 2018-19 campaign of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) has started off with a bang, owing to a host of close contests and nail-biting finishes. The league has been lit up by the addition of new managers, who have tried to introduce a new brand of football within their side. A few coaches have tasted immediate success, while the rest still need time with their players to inculcate their philosophy. Here we delve into the tactics of the new gaffers in the Hero ISL and what to expect from them going forward.

Cesar Ferrando – Jamshedpur FC

Cesar Ferrando was appointed as the new head coach of Jamshedpur FC during the summer, with the intent of bringing in a new football philosophy at the club. While Steve Coppell moulded the side into a robust outfit during their debut campaign, the fans were hoping for more attacking verve. Looking at the two games gone by, Ferrando looks to have completely overhauled the style of play at the club. Spearheaded by the likes of Sergio Cidoncha and Mario Arques and flanked by the prodigy that is Jerry Mawhmingthanga, Jamshedpur look like a potent attacking force going forward with intricate passing and clever off-the-ball running. If Ferrando can get Tim Cahill fit and firing, we could lay witness to something special at the club.

Eelco Schattorie – NorthEast United

After a dismal 2017-18 campaign where they finished at the bottom of the league, NorthEast United were on the lookout for a complete turnaround in fortunes. However, unlike most clubs, NorthEast decided against overhauling their entire management team, focusing instead on upgrading their profiles. Assistant to head coach Avram Grant in the 2017-18 campaign, Eelco Schattorie was promoted and given the responsibility to coach the side with the experienced hand of Grant there to help him in the capacity of a technical advisor. Still only 46, Eelco is widely regarded for his profound faith in developing young players and helping their transition into the first team. Having managed in India before, Eelco’s know-how of the country’s footballing setup is already reaping rewards for the Highlanders as they enjoy a healthy position in the standings. Preferring a slightly deeper version of 4-3-3, Eelco will be betting on the midfield pairing of Rowllin Borges and Jose Leudo to deliver his ideas on the pitch.

Carles Cuadrat – Bengaluru FC

Assistant to highly successful former head coach Albert Roca, Carles Cuadrat was appointed the new boss of Bengaluru FC with hopes that the former La Masia graduate would be able to reproduce the kind of football and success that his predecessor could manage at the club. Born in Catalonia, Cuadrat has already hit the ground running thanks to the intricate style of play of his Bengaluru side. Allowing the opposition slightly more of the ball, Bengaluru rely on their compactness and break at pace, utilizing the tremendous energy of their wingers. In-charge of set-pieces even under his former boss, Carles Cuadrat’s highly efficient Bengaluru could be in for yet another memorable season.

Jorge Costa – Mumbai City FC

From captaining Jose Mourinho’s 2004 UEFA Champions League winning FC Porto team to representing his nation at the 2002 World Cup, Jorge Costa has seen it all in the footballing world. Appointed Mumbai City FC’s head coach in August 2018, Jorge Costa is a shrewd tactician known for his ability to tinker with different formations based on the opposition’s capabilities. In his very own words, Costa admitted that his brand of football was all about getting three points – something that Costa’s legendary former boss is still famous for. However, with Mumbai still winless in this edition of the Hero ISL, Costa faces an early test of his ability to boost the squad morale and get them going on a winning run.

Josep Gombau – Delhi Dynamos

Another of the Hero ISL coaches to be born in the football mecca of Catalonia, Josep Gombau found his passion for coaching at an early age. Having since travelled around multiple countries implementing his possession-based style of play, Gombau headed to Delhi hoping to overturn the capital side’s fortune for the better. Highly appreciated by former players both as a man and as a coach, Gombau too believes in developing young talent in an ever-evolving world of football. With Delhi having played only a single match this season, it could be weeks before we finally see Gombau’s philosophy in action.