Chennaiyin FC has appointed Bozidar Bandovic as their head coach for the ISL 2021-22 season. The 51 year old has signed a one year contract with the Chennai side, who would be looking to make a comeback by freshening things up after a disappointing finish in last season’s ISL.
Bozidar Bandovic was winner of Manager of the Year in Thai League 2017-18
Bandovic boasts of an impressive CV. His previous stint included winning successive Thai League title in the year 2016-17 and 2017-18 with Buriram United. He was also the receipent of the Thai League Manager of the year in the 2017-18 season. His club established the record for most points in the Thai League and then broke it again the subsequent year.
Under Bozidar, Buriram United’s 2017-18 league winning campaign was furthered by its progression into the round-of-16 of the AFC Champions League, a semifinal finish in the Thai League Cup and an appearance in the final of the Thai FA Cup. In the 2019-20 season, his club won the Thai Champions Cup and reached the final of the Thai League Cup only to loose on penalties. He ended his stint at Buriram with. 86 wins, 22 draws and 23 losses.
Bandovic was also at helm as head coach of Olympiacos FC for a short time having spent his time with the Greek giant in various roles, including, Head of Analysis for former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde and as assistant coach the season after.
Bozidar is delighted to join Chennaiyin FC
“I am delighted to join the Chennaiyin family. I am ready and cannot wait to start! After our conversations, I realised that this club is very special. I was very impressed,” Bandovic said.
“At Chennaiyin, I want us to be a team that knows what to do in different tactical situations while attacking, defending, and transitioning. My target is to improve the team and the players tactically, and individually. I did watch many games from last year and we will first evaluate and complete the team. Of course, I need more time to train the players to know them better,” said the newly appointed coach.
“We are absolutely delighted to have someone like Bozidar Bandovic take up the mantle of head coach. What he has achieved in Thailand is a testament to his capabilities and we expect him to show similar efficiency in India,” club co-owner Vita Dani said.
