Indian Super League side FC Pune City announces renowned Brazilian Marcos Paqueta as their head coach, who will replace Ranko Popovic as he stepped down on Wednesday after guiding the club to their maiden ISL semi-final. Marcos has coached his country to two youth World Cup victories, as its new head coach and has 30 years of coaching experience.
“From my conversations with the club, I understand that FC Pune City have a reputation for giving young footballers a great platform, a system that I have thrived in.
“There is huge potential at the club, and we will look to retain the core group of experienced players as well as some of the most exciting young talents in the League. I am excited for this new journey in India with FC Pune City,” Paqueta said.
After his spell with Selecao youth sides, he shifted base to Middle-East joining Al-Hilal Saudi Football Club. In his time with the club, he led them to winning Saudi Premier League (2004-05), Saudi Crown Prince Cup (2004-05), Saudi Federation Cup (2004-05) and King Fahd Cup (2004-05). Paqueta has also coached Saudi national team at the 2006 World Cup followed by a stint at Al-Hilal, helping them win another Saudi Premier League title in 2006-07 season.
He was a prominent reason of Libya’s rise in the Fifa rankings from world number 115 to world number 37.
“Paqueta’s ample experience in managing youth sides, national teams and clubs in Asia will help us build on the platform we managed to create from the last season. We welcome Marcos to the FC Pune City family,” FC Pune City CEO, Gaurav Mondal said.
