ISL 2018-19: Team of Season 5 of Indian Super League - Sahal Samad, Chhetri and Coro headline squad

Manager

Sergio Lobera (FC Goa)

Sergio Lobera

We finally come to the manager of the season. While Carles Cuadrat of Bengaluru and Eelco Schattorie of North East United FC were also strong contenders for this award, one cannot deny Sergio Lobera's influence in Indian football. He successfully implemented an entirely different style of football in India.

Many a time, we see the ball just being flung at a target man and then the team playing on the second ball. This tactic was routinely followed by the likes of David James in Kerala Blasters as they felt that was their strongest chance to get a point if not all three.

But Lobera had a completely different philosophy. The fact that the three players with the most number of passes this season all play for Goa is a testimonial to his philosophy of quick ball movement and energy.

With wide midfielders that could get up and down the pitch in seconds and a striker that was prolific at scoring goals, Lobera played to the strengths of his key players and also ensured that they had possession through the game.

Often dominating possession, it is no surprise that Goa would win a majority of their matches finishing second in the league behind Bengaluru FC. Sergio Lobera is apparently being considered for the vacant national team manager spot and rightly so!