Image credit: SC East Bengal

SC East Bengal have named Manuel ‘Manolo’ Diaz as the new head coach for the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2021-22 season.

With over 20 years of coaching experience, including a significant period of time in the Real Madrid CF set-up, Manolo brings with him a wealth of experience and a winning mentality.

The 53-year-old has an overall win rate of 41.77 percent over 328 matches coached in his two-decade career, and a 46.66 percent win rate in his latest stint at Real Madrid Castilla (2018-19).

“In Madrid, we say 'Winning is in our DNA'. We love the pressure and expectation that comes with coaching a big club,” Manolo said.

“Time is short and there is a long and difficult road ahead, but we will do our best to deliver good performances for all SC East Bengal fans,” he added.

Manolo takes over the reins from Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler under whom the Kolkata-based team finished ninth on the points table last season.