New Delhi: Indian Super League outfit Odisha FC extended their association with head coach Sergio Lobera for another year on Wednesday.
They had a two-year deal in place and addition of another year now means the Spaniard will stay at the club till 2026.
He came into the club in 2023 from China’s Sichuan Jiuniu FC after stints at FC Goa and Mumbai City.
He managed Odisha in 38 matches last year, winning 21 times, drawing seven and losing 10 games, finishing fourth in the ISL 2023-24 campaign and advanced to the second round of the AFC Cup.
Under Lobera, Odisha wer unbeaten at theie home ground of Kalinga Stadium throughout the 2023-24 ISL.
“I am very excited to be part of this long-term project. I want to thank the club for their trust in me and I hope we can achieve success together and enjoy the journey,” Lobera said in a statement.
“His leadership and playing style have been transformative. We are confident that under Coach Lobera’s continued guidance, Odisha FC will achieve even greater success in the coming seasons.
“We look forward to working closely with him to build a strong team that consistently challenges for trophies,” club president Raj Athwal said.
Bhatt returns to Mumbai
Defender Hardik Bhatt returned to Mumbai City FC after signing a one-year contract. The 27-year-old had turned out for the ISL Cup winners in 2022-23 season on loan and was part of their ISL shield winning team.
Hs career began at ARA FC in Ahmedabad, making his senior debut with the side in 2018 after which he moved to Bengaluru United (2019-20), Hyderya Sports FC (2021-22) and Rajasthan United (2022).
In 47 competitive domestic outings, he has scored two goals. “I am delighted to be back with Mumbai City FC,” Hardik said.
Mumbai City head coach Petr Kratky said, “We are excited to have Hardik back with the club. He is a Mumbai native who has been with us before, and he is committed to improving his game and helping us move forward.”
Sergio Lobera will stay at Odisha FC till 2026 after extending his contract by a year Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
