Delhi Dynamos have appointed Josep Gombau as the new head coach of the side on a two-year deal. The Spaniard will take over the reins after Miguel Angel Portugal managed the side for the 2017-18 campaign of the Hero Indian Super League.

The 42-year-old first began his coaching career with the youth team of Spanish side Amposta FC. He then moved to Catalonia where he held coaching stints with RCD Espanyol’s youth team before managing Barcelona’s B team for six years.

In a press release by Delhi Dynamos, Gombau spoke of his excitement on joining the Hero ISL as well his goals for the upcoming season, “I am really excited and looking forward to this opportunity in the Hero ISL. I am not new to Asian football, so I know what to expect and I am ready for this challenge. The goal is to keep the philosophy of this club intact and to take the players to the next level where they are ready to challenge for the title.”

Gombau has had coaching experience in Asia, achieving success with Hong Kong side Kitchee SC, winning the Hong Kong First Division League and the Hong Kong FA Cup twice in addition to the Hong Kong League Cup. The Spaniard would go on to manage the Australian national U-23 side after a two-year spell with Adelaide United in the A-League.

Director of Delhi Dynamos Rohan Sharma shed light on the qualities displayed by Gombau which made him standout as the ideal candidate for the job. “The idea this season was to bring in stability and get a head coach who shares a similar philosophy as the club and coach Gombau ticks all the right boxes. We interviewed many head coaches and he was someone who really stuck out. He will be a positive influence for the young players we have in the squad and I believe he’s the perfect coach to bring Delhi its first ISL trophy.”

In the Hero ISL, Gombau has the opportunity to take Delhi Dynamos to unprecedented heights. With a young and talented squad at his disposal, Gombau will look to bring the club back into the spotlight after a disappointing outing in the last campaign.