Hero ISL: Mumbai City FC getting ready to give huge surprise in appointing new Head Coach

XtraTime Web Desk: If things go according to the plan, then French tactician and former China National Football Team Head Coach Alain Perrin will take over the job of the new Head Coach of Mumbai City FC. The only candidate who is giving a tough fight for the job, is former Portuguese International Jorge Costa.





Perrin began his coaching career at AS Nancy in 1983, as junior coach to Arsène Wenger. He built up a reputation as a talented young coach whilst at the club, and was appointed to run the club’s academy.

In 1993, Perrin had his first chance at management, taking over as manager of French National 2 (fourth division) club Troyes AC, quickly taking the club to Ligue 1 after three promotions in six seasons, and qualifying for the UEFA Cup. This success led to his being offered the position as manager of Olympique de Marseille in 2002.

During his time at the club, Perrin paid a French domestic transfer record for Didier Drogba. However, Perrin was sacked by Marseille, after a poor run of league form in January 2004.





Perrin took over as manager of Olympique Lyonnais on 30 May 2007, after Gérard Houllier resigned earlier that month. In his first season, he led the club to a seventh consecutive Ligue 1 championship title. He also managed to retain the French Cup which he had won with Sochaux the previous year. He left the club in June 2008. He was rumoured to take over the position of French national manager, but it was confirmed on 3 July 2008 that Raymond Domenech would remain in the position. On 11 November 2008, he became the new manager of Saint-Étienne, and was fired on 15 December 2009.

In 2014, he was named as new China national football team manager, replacing Antonio Camacho. On 5 March 2014, China qualified for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia. In the tournament, Perrin secured a 1-0 victory for China over Saudi Arabia and two another 2-1 victories over Uzbekistan and North Korea. China finished first in the group and qualified to knockout stage after 11 years, where they faced host country Australia in quarter-finals losing 2-0 in the process.

If he signs the contract to become the Head coach ISL side Mumbai City FC, no doubt, he will be one of the biggest names to join cash rich league. Though former Portuguese International Jorge Costa too is there in the race to become the Head Coach.

For a couple of years between 2014 and 2016, Costa was in charge of Gabon national team as well but could not help his team past the group stages in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

He has won the Portuguese second division with Olhanense and has also lifted the Romanian league title with CFR Cluj.

This is set to be the former FC Porto defender’s first managerial stint in Asia if he finally manages to beat Alain Perrin to become the Head Coach of Mumbai City.