Odisha FC have announced former Hero Indian Super League (ISL) League Shield and title winner Sergio Lobera as their new head coach, the club announced on Wednesday.

The Spaniard, who has coached FC Goa and Mumbai City FC in the past, will look to guide Odisha FC to even greater heights after a successful campaign for the club during the 2022-23 season. The Eastern Dragons qualified for the Hero ISL playoffs for the first time since inception and later ended the season by winning the Hero Super Cup, which was the first silverware for the club.

Officially confirming the biggest open ‘secret’ of this transfer window ✅@SergioLobera1 ➡️ @OdishaFC 🟣⚫️

Our new head coach is here and ready to go! 👊🏻😤#OdishaFC #AmaTeamAmaGame #TheEasternDragons #WelcomeSergio pic.twitter.com/88WstufbLv

— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) May 17, 2023

Lobera is no stranger to Indian football, having spent four seasons in the Hero ISL. He joined FC Goa in 2017 and guided them to the Hero ISL playoffs on all three occasions during his time with the Gaurs. He also won the Hero Super Cup in 2019 and a season later, helped the club clinch the League Shield.

Lobera moved to City Football Group-owned Mumbai City FC ahead of the Hero ISL 2020-21 season and went on to achieve more success with the Islanders. MCFC secured the League Shield and the Hero ISL title that season under Lobera, becoming the first club to achieve the double.

After a successful season in India, Lobera took up a new challenge with fellow City Football Group side and Chinese club Sichuan Jiuniu. This will be Lobera’s third stint in India and having made a name for himself in India, Odisha FC will be confident of challenging for top honours under his tutelage.