East Bengal appoint Armando Colaco as the new coach

Armando Colaco new East Bengal coach

The day after Brazilian Marcos Falopa resigned, ex-Dempo boss Armando Colaco was appointed as the new East Bengal coach. It was an expected choice as rumours regarding Colaco’s appointment circulated a week back.

Club football secretary Santosh Bhattacharya was quoted by PTI as saying: “He (Colaco) has given five I-League (and NFL) titles for Dempo. His knowledge about Indian football and the players is unparallelled. He is the best person for the job.

“We have already sent him the tickets, he’s set to arrive on November 18, will watch the local league match the next day, and will take charge on November 20.”

Although thousands of red and gold fans wanted Trevor James Morgan back at the helm of affairs, East Bengal officials ignored the fans’  views. Bhattacharya added: “Our discussion with Colaco was in an advanced stage, while Morgan’s request letter came late. It was an unanimous decision and we’re looking forward to a successful association.”

Colaco was in charge of Dempo for the past 13 years in which he guided the team to 5 I-League and National Football League titles and also to the semi finals of AFC Cup in 2008.

He also managed the Indian national team. During his tenure India defeated Qatar 2-1 and drew 2-2 against UAE.

Colaco will be under immense pressure as his first official match as East Bengal coach will be against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan.