The 2017-18 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) witnessed a plethora of renowned coaches managing their respective clubs from the dugout. However, the Spanish contingent of Sergio Lobera, Albert Roca and Miguel Portugal were able to take their Hero ISL sides to unprecedented heights, bringing in a refreshing brand of football to the league. We take a look at the impact these men have had on their teams’ performances throughout the season:

ALBERT ROCA, BENGALURU FC

Despite losing out in the final, debutants Bengaluru FC were arguably the most consistent side in the league. The Blues finished their league campaign on top of the table, eight points ahead of second-placed Chennaiyin FC.

Head coach Albert Roca was largely instrumental in transforming the Blues into a well-oiled machine – potent in attack and stingy at the back. Roca’s men adopted a style of play largely akin to what we see at FC Barcelona. Intricate passing, off-the-ball movement and patient build-ups proving to be the major qualities which separated them from the rest of the league.

With Sunil Chhetri and Miku upfront, Bengaluru were never short on goals while John Johnson and Juan Gonzales marshalled the defence to perfection. Their failure, however, to hold a lead in the big games proved to be their Achilles heel as they succumbed to a 2-3 defeat to Chennaiyin in the final.

SERGIO LOBERA, FC GOA

FC Goa had another memorable season finishing their campaign as top scorers of the Hero ISL with 43 goals. Their attacking prowess was largely down to the work put in by manager Sergio Lobera.

The former FC Barcelona youth coach brought in a new style of play to the Indian football set-up, which was largely synonymous with the Catalonian side’s philosophy of possession football. The Gaurs racked up 10,798 passes throughout the season — the most by any side in the league.

In Ferran Corominas and Manuel Lanzarote, Lobera had one of the most lethal duos by his side to spearhead the attack. However, the one area which proved to be their ultimate downfall was in defence where they conceded a total of 29 goals throughout the season.

Lobera’s men would go on to make the semi-finals, bowing out to eventual champions Chennaiyin FC.

MIGUEL ANGEL PORTUGAL, DELHI DYNAMOS

While Delhi Dynamos did not enjoy the best of seasons, head coach Miguel Angel Portugal did have plenty of positives to take away from the league’s fourth edition.

The Dynamos had a dreadful start to the season, winning only one of their first nine games. Things were looking bleak as they found themselves rock-bottom of the table, conceding 24 goals in nine matches.

Injury lay-offs to key players including Kalu Uche and Albino Gomes were another setback which did not work in their favour. However, the return of Uche from injury towards the end of the season along with a sturdier defensive backline worked wonders for Portugal’s side as they finished the season on a high, going undefeated in the last six matches of their campaign.

Given their performances on the pitch this season, the trio of Bengaluru FC, Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa could reap the benefits if they retain the services of their respective coaches in the longer run.

For in-depth statistical analysis of these and all other Hero ISL teams’ performances through the season gone by, click here.