Bengaluru, 31 January : Bengaluru FC has appointed former player Darren Caldera as the football club’s director. In addition, the club has brought in former head coach Albert Roca as a technical advisor.
Roca, who led Bengaluru FC to the finals in his first ISL season in 2017-18, will return to the club in his new role. At the same time, Caldera will also return home, having been associated with the club from 2013 to 2015 and then to his 2016–17 season.
Club Owner and Director, Parth Jindal said, “We are thrilled to bring back two former legends of Bengaluru FC as we look to restructure and take the club forward. During his two seasons in charge with Bengaluru Albert’s job was exceptional. His vision, network and experience are excellent. The fact that he knows this club will help us a lot.
He added, In Darren, we have someone who is technically strong and has been very closely involved with the league in his previous role in broadcasting. Importantly, he has played for us and won trophies, he is the best in this. are well aware of the club’s mindset. I am confident that Albert and Darren – along with the rest of the team – will set us on track to be the football club we are capable of being.
Roca also led Bengaluru FC to the AFC Cup final in 2016 and was later appointed as the head coach of Hyderabad FC. However, he joined FC Barcelona even before taking charge of the team and will now work in Indian football again.
Roca said, “I am delighted to be back at Bengaluru FC, which has been my first home and family in India. We achieved some great things together during our time at the club, and when circumstances forced me to return to Spain I was sad when I did. But football has given us another chance, one that I am excited about and looking forward to. The last few seasons have been difficult for the club and its fans, and the ownership and management Determined to do right and I will do my best to make it happen.
As for Caldera, he is a Bengaluru FC stalwart who won the I-League and the Federation Cup during his time at the club and will now be responsible for overseeing recruitment and football development at the club.
On his appointment, Caldera, who also holds an AFC B licence, said, It is both an honour and a challenge to return to Bengaluru FC, where I have had some of my fondest memories as a player. I look forward to giving back to the club in a different role. This opportunity has come my way and it is one that I am very excited about. There is also the added advantage of working alongside someone with such experience as Albert and together, we look forward to taking our football club to new heights.
