Inaugural Indian Super League champions Atletico de Kolkata have confirmed the appointment of Atletico Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna veteran goalkeeper Jose Francisco Molina as their head coach for ISL 2016. Molina, 45, replaces Antonio Habas, who was roped in by FC Pune City a week back.
The Spanish custodian has previously coached La Liga side Villarreal and Hong Kong-based outfit Kitchee.
"I welcome Jose Molina into our Atletico de Kolkata family. Molina's experience with leading clubs of Spain and other parts of the world makes him an ideal candidate to take our on field performance few notches higher in his forthcoming assignment," ATK co-owner Sanjeev Goenka said in a statement on Tuesday, as quoted by Goal.
"He will be instrumental in building the team's strategy and help us select some good prospective footballers for the upcoming season. We wish him all the success and I am definitely sure that he will showcase the finest quality of football under his able guidance that has become synonymous with Atlético de Kolkata," Goenka added.
The Kolkata-based franchisee came tad close to defending their Indian Super League title in the second season, but lost to Chennaiyin FC in the semifinals last year. The Chennai-based side went on to lift the trophy thereafter, defeating FC Goa.
Although an official confirmation hasn't arrived, ISL 2016 could tentatively begin in October.
