Following a devastating exit from the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Stephen Constantine decided to step down as head coach. During his four-year tenure, the Englishman made a significant impact, propelling India to its highest FIFA ranking in recent memory and ending an eight-year drought by securing a spot in the Asian Cup.2019 AFC Asian Cup in heart-breaking fashion, head coach Stephen Constantine announced his resignation from the team. The Englishman served as manager for the national team for four years and did a largely effective job, taking the country to their highest-ever FIFA ranking in recent times while also guiding them to their first Asian Cup participation in eight years.
Now, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is tasked with finding a successor capable of pushing the team even further. Several high-profile managers have already been linked to the role. We take a closer look at the frontrunners most likely to take charge of the Blue Tigers.
Albert Roca
Albert Roca is widely seen as a favorite for the job, possessing the right skill set to elevate the squad. Drawing from his time as an assistant at Barcelona, Roca advocates for an offensive style centered on ball retention and smart movement. His strongest qualification is his familiarity with the local game; during his two years with Bengaluru FC, he steered them to the 2017-18 ISL final and won the first-ever Hero Super Cup in 2018. Given this track record, the Spaniard is a top priority for the AIFF.Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) side Bengaluru. Roca spent two years with the Indian side, leading them to the final of the 2017-18 campaign of the Hero ISL, before clinching the inaugural Hero Super Cup in 2018. Looking at Roca’s credentials, the Spaniard will definitely be considered as a prime target.
Sven-Goran Eriksson
Sven-Goran Eriksson is perhaps the most prestigious name on the shortlist, bringing a massive resume from both club and international football. He is best remembered for leading England's 'golden generation' to the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals. Typically a pragmatic strategist, Eriksson favors a disciplined, counter-attacking approach. Most recently, he guided the Philippines to a runner-up finish at the 2018 AFF Championship, though rumors suggest he may be less likely to land the job than other candidates.
Ashley Westwood
Ashley Westwood is another candidate who knows the Indian landscape well. The 42-year-old earned a stellar reputation at Bengaluru FC, where he bagged two I-League titles and a Federation Cup within just three years. He is largely credited with transforming the team's physical fitness and building a professional foundation. After a short stint with ATK during the 2017-18 season, his deep understanding of the domestic game makes him a very plausible choice for the role.
Sam Allardyce
The possibility of Sam Allardyce taking over came as a shock to the Indian football community. The 64-year-old is a veteran of the English Premier League, having managed the likes of Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers, and Everton. While he is legendary for his ability to rescue struggling teams from relegation, his career has been marked by a fair share of controversy.
His tenure as England's manager ended abruptly in 2016 after just a single match. Furthermore, his tendency to prioritize a rigid defensive setup may clash with the more expansive style of football India is looking to implement.
Gianni De Biasi
With an impressive pedigree and a history of managing top-tier clubs, De Biasi is undoubtedly a strong contender. The Italian has led various teams, including Alaves, Levante, Torino, Brescia, and Udinese. His crowning achievement was guiding Albania to their first-ever European Championship in 2016; although they didn't progress past the group stage, they performed admirably. Known for his tactical organization and ability to develop young talent, De Biasi could be the perfect fit for India.