Head coaches are not only strategic masterminds but also the man-managers who bring profound influence and tactical acumen to the game.

The bosses on the sidelines not only instil a winning mentality but also foster the club’s identity and nurture young prospects. They impose philosophy, boost morale, unlock hidden potential, and are the ultimate architects of success.

Over the decade, the Indian Super League (ISL) has been graced with a few influential head coaches who redefined systems, instilled belief, and built legacies, yet walked away without any silverware to show.

Here are the head coaches who made a mark in the ISL but fell short of silverware.

Josep Gombau

Josep Gombau, the former Espanyol and Barcelona youth coach, guided Odisha FC to the ISL 2022-23 playoffs for the first time in league history.

He previously coached Delhi Dynamos FC in the ISL during 2018-19 and also led the Kalinga Warriors in their debut 2019-20 season. Under Gombau’s watchful eyes, players like Nandhakumar Sekar and Jerry Mawihmingthanga shone bright and showcased their potential.

Known for his expertise in youth development and nurturing talent, Gombau instilled an attractive, possession-based philosophy at Odisha FC. With the Kalinga Warriors, the Spanish head coach laid the groundwork for a more competitive team and built the core that has been instrumental in the Sergio Lobera era.

However, he didn't manage to win anything to cap off his good work in the ISL.

Jorge Costa

Jorge Costa, the former FC Porto defender, took charge as Mumbai City FC head coach in 2018. Costa’s impact was instant and effective, as the Portuguese head coach led the Islanders to the semi-finals in his first season. The following season, they challenged for the playoffs again but finished fifth.

Defensive solidity and tactical discipline were strong foundations in Costa’s system that turned Mumbai City FC into a really competitive outfit. Costa’s pragmatic approach, quick counterattacking football, and never-say-die attitude were pivotal qualities and he set the stage for Mumbai City FC's future successes.

Albert Roca

Albert Roca brought a distinct Spanish touch to Bengaluru FC with his possession-based and tactically fluid style of football.

The Blues accumulated 40 points in 18 matches, averaging 2.22 points per match. Under his guidance, Bengaluru FC finished at the summit of the league table in their first-ever ISL season and also qualified for the final, where they suffered a narrow 2-3 defeat against Chennaiyin FC, dashing their Cup hopes.

The Spanish head coach had quite an impressive stint with the Blues by winning the Federation Cup, Kalinga Super Cup and qualifying for the AFC Cup final, but the ISL silverware eluded him. His impact could be seen at the club even after his departure, laying the foundation for their eventual ISL Cup triumph in the following campaign.

Ivan Vukomanovic

Ivan Vukomanovic is more than just a name; it’s an emotion for every Kerala Blasters FC faithful. The Blasters’ Ashan overturned the Blasters’ fortune after joining the club in 2021 and lifted the playoff-shy team to one of the formidable and serial contenders for the ISL playoffs.

Since their early success in the league, where Kerala Blasters FC reached the final twice, the Blasters went through a dip in their form as they couldn’t qualify for the playoffs in four successive seasons. Vukomanovic’s arrival worked as a catalyst, leading the Blasters to the playoffs in three consecutive seasons and turning home discomfort into home delight, making Kochi a fortress.

The Serbian also guided the Blasters to the ISL Cup final in his debut season, but heartbreak in penalties shattered their dreams once again. Vukomanovic’s man-management, emotional connection with supporters, and passion on the touchline made him a special figure in Kochi.

Steve Coppell

Steve Coppell is one of the renowned and respected figures in the ISL. The English head coach has managed three different clubs, Kerala Blasters FC, Jamshedpur FC and ATK FC since joining the league in 2016.

Coppell, in his debut ISL season, guided Kerala Blasters FC to the final, where they succumbed to a heartbreaking defeat on penalties. In his following stints with the Men of Steel and the Kolkata-based club, he missed out on qualifying for the playoffs, but his methodical approach and calm demeanour were evident.

Zico

Zico, the Brazilian legend, took charge as the FC Goa head coach in 2014 and led the Gaurs to the playoffs in two successive seasons. Zico brought his flamboyant attacking brand of football and established FC Goa as one of the most consistent teams in ISL.

The Gaurs finished second in the opening campaign and ended up at the top of the table in the following season during Zico’s tenure. FC Goa also qualified for the Cup final in 2015, where they succumbed to a 2-3 defeat against Chennaiyin FC.

Under Zico’s guidance, the Gaurs recorded the highest-margin victory in ISL history as they stormed past Mumbai City FC with a thumping 7-0 victory at Fatorda, thanks to Semboi Haokip and Dudu Omagbemi’s hat-tricks and Reinaldo da Cruz Oliveira’s 90th-minute strike.