East Bengal shortlists 4 Indian pro license coaches

There is still no clarity on whether East Bengal FC will play in the Indian Super League (ISL) or in the I-League but their preparations are going on in full song. After signing a host of domestic players, the Kolkata football giants are looking for an Indian pro-license holder coach for the upcoming season and have identified four candidates, The Bridge can confirm.

It has been learnt that the four coaches who have been shortlisted are Derrick Pereira, Clifford Miranda, Stanley Rozario and Santosh Kashyap. However, it is unlikely that Derrick or Clifford would depart FC Goa. Hence, the toss up should be between Rozario and Kashyap.

Derrick’s coaching career began at Salgaocar FC in 2005 while Miranda went into coaching after retiring as a player in 2017. The duo have been working together with FC Goa’s developmental team and even took charge of the senior team in the ISL after Sergio Lobera left in January.

Rozario, like Derrick, has a vast experience in coaching having begun his career in 2004 with Services. He was then with the national team before joining East Bengal in 2008. After one season with the Red and Golds he left for Salgaocar, following which he enjoyed stints at Shillong Lajong, Mohun Bagan and other clubs. He has been at Aizawl since 2019.

Kashyap, as well, has been coaching for over 10 years and has managed clubs like Mohun Bagan, ONGC, Rangdajied United, Royal Wahingdoh, NorthEast United (assistant) and Salgaocar. Currently, he is the head coach of Chennaiyin FC B. It remains to be seen who eventually is given the job.