ISL Season 8: Indian Super League outfit SC East Bengal have appointed Spanish tactician Victor Herrero Forcada as the understudy of head coach Mario Rivera. Victor Herrero Forcada who is also known as Pulga joins the Red and Gold camp as their new assistant coach for the remainder of the Indian Super League. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.IN
Coincidentally Pulga has previously featured for ISL outfit Kerala Blasters in two stints. He was part of the Blasters team that reached the 2014 ISL finals under the tutelage of player coach David James. The Yellow Army eventually lost that game to Atletico de Kolkata courtesy of a late goal from substitute Mohammed Rafique.
🚨𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 🚨
We are happy to announce Victor Herrero Forcada, also known as Pulga, as our assistant coach for the remainder of the 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League season.#JoyEastBengal #WeAreSCEB #আমাগোক্লাব pic.twitter.com/YgBC9SAN3k
— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) February 6, 2022
Pulga only featured in six matches for the David James’ led side as he was suffering from persistent injury problems. However, his presence in midfield was always felt whenever e stepped on the pitch. He provided the crucial assist to Ishaq Ahmed in the semifinal first leg against Chennaiyin FC. He was a vital cog in midfield for the Yellow Army along with Stephen Pearson.
Having retired as a footballer, Pulga is all set to take up coaching duties and will be assisting SC East Bengal’s Mario Rivera for the remainder of the season. It can be a great experience for him as he has already worked in Jamshedpur FC as an assistant coach a couple of seasons ago. After joining the Red and Gold camp Pulga shared his initial reactions as the Spaniard sounded better than ever.
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“I am very happy to join SC East Bengal. It’s a pleasure to be back in India every time. I know the league and the country well and I have a lot of energy so I will try to help the team and the club in everything they need,” he said.
Head coach Mario Rivera was also delighted with the 36-year-old’s addition to his coaching setup as he feels that Pulga’s experience of playing in this league will help SC East Bengal in their future matches. “I am happy to have him on board. He has experience in India and it will help the team get better,” he said.
SC East Bengal are going through a rough season as they have only mustered a single win this season after playing 15 matches. They are currently in 10th position in the points table only above NorthEast United on goal difference.
The Red and Golds will take on Odisha FC in their next ISL fixture as they aim to secure their second win of the campaign.