Suman Chakravorty: As per the reports of www.xtratime.in , Bengaluru FC have finally parted ways with their Spanish gaffer Albert Roca. In an interaction with XtraTime, Bengaluru FC CTO Mander Tamhane said, “We are thankful for his wonderful contribution to the club. We tried our best to keep him in our club, but we respect his decision.”
Bengaluru FC is in no hurry to find Roca’s successor, as Mandar said, “We have ample time to take a call on this. We are in no hurry. We will finalize the new coach in right time.”
Albert Roca will be leaving the position at the end of the 2017-’18 season, the club announced on Thursday. The Blues’ Spanish manager opted not to renew his initial two-year deal owing to personal reasons, bringing an end to an impressive spell that saw Bengaluru FC become the first Indian club to make the final of the AFC Cup.
His success was also highlighted by the Federation Cup (2017) and Super Cup (2018) titles that the club won to maintain the Blues’ record of winning a trophy every season since its inception in 2013 and more recently, guiding the club to a fourth consecutive appearance in the knock-out stages of the AFC Cup.
The former Barcelona assistant coach who arrived in the country at the start of the 2016-17 season, reached the AFC Cup final in his first assignment but struggled in the I-League. They finished fourth but were rampant in the Indian Super League in his second season, making the final easily but losing to Chennaiyin FC. He made up for the disappointment by winning the Super Cup and qualifying for the AFC Cup knockout stages.
Roca said though short, Bengaluru FC would always remain a special story in his career. “It was one of the toughest decisions I have had to make in my managerial career but it’s the right one. Bengaluru FC has been an experience I will always carry with me, no matter where I go. The owners, the management, my staff, players and most importantly, the fans walked with me every step of this journey and I can never forget the love and support I have received here. I will miss being on the touchline for this club, but will always follow its progress,” said the Spaniard.