Aviator: Since its inception in 2014, the Indian Super League (ISL) has seen some of the most brilliant and influential managerial minds take charge of clubs. These tacticians have not only shaped the destinies of their teams but also played a crucial role in elevating the overall quality and competitiveness of the league.
Managers serve as the backbone of a club, orchestrating strategies and guiding players toward achieving consistent success. While many have come and gone with short stints, a select few have left an enduring legacy through their longevity and achievements in the ISL.
Here’s a look at the managers with the most matches in ISL history.
Aviator: Owen Coyle – 90 Matches
Aviator: Irish manager Owen Coyle ranks fourth with 90 matches managed in the ISL. Coyle made an immediate impact by revitalizing Chennaiyin FC in the 2019-20 season, leading them to the ISL final. Although they lost to ATK Mohun Bagan, Coyle received widespread praise for his leadership. He later transformed Jamshedpur FC, guiding them to win the ISL Shield in the 2021-22 season. Known for his adaptability and motivational skills, Coyle has returned to Chennaiyin FC and aims to win his first ISL title, cementing his legacy in Indian football.
Aviator: Manolo Marquez – 100 Matches
Aviator: Breaking into the top three is Spanish coach Manolo Marquez, who recently crossed the 100-match mark in the ISL. His transformative stint at Hyderabad FC began in the 2020-21 season, culminating in the club’s first ISL title in 2021-22 with a 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters in the final. Now leading FC Goa and managing the Indian national team, Marquez is highly regarded for nurturing young talent and promoting an attractive, possession-based style of football. He remains one of the league’s most influential tacticians.
Aviator: Antonio Lopez Habas – 112 Matches
Aviator: Antonio López Habas ranks second on the list, holding the distinction of being the only manager to win two ISL titles. With 112 games managed, the Spanish tactician became a cult figure through his successful stints with Atletico de Kolkata, Pune City, and ATK Mohun Bagan. Known for his pragmatic and disciplined approach, Habas led ATK to title victories in the inaugural 2014 season and again in 2019-20. Now coaching Inter Kashi in the I-League, his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Indian football remains intact.
Aviator: Sergio Lobera – 114 Matches
Aviator: Leading the chart is Sergio Lobera, the current head coach of Odisha FC, with 114 ISL matches managed. Widely admired for his attacking philosophy and tactical excellence, Lobera made a lasting impact with FC Goa—winning the 2018-19 Indian Super Cup—and famously guided Mumbai City FC to a historic domestic double in 2020-21, claiming both the ISL title and League Winners’ Shield. Known for building cohesive and attacking units, Lobera continues to shape his legacy at Odisha FC, who currently sit 3rd in the standings. His influence cements him as one of the greatest ISL coaches ever.
