ISL 2022-23: Bengaluru FC appoint Albert Roca as Technical Consultant, Darren Caldeira as director of football

Bengaluru FC has appointed their former head coach Albert Roca as technical consultant whereas former player Darren Caldeira as the director of football, the club announced on Monday. Roca had led the Blues to their first-ever Hero ISL final in 2016-17 and he will now take the new role for the club.

Furthermore, Caldeira played for Bengaluru FC from 2013 to 2015 and once again joined the club in the 2016-17 season.

Club owner and Director, Parth Jindal said, “We are thrilled to bring two former Bengaluru FC people back to the fold, as we look to restructure and take this club forward. Albert’s work with Bengaluru during his two seasons in charge was exceptional. Under him, we had one of the strongest squads and played arguably the most attractive football in the club’s history. His vision, network, experience and the fact that he knows this club, will be aspects that will help us immensely.”

“In Darren, we have someone who is technically sound and has stayed connected very closely with the League in his previous role in broadcast. Importantly, having played for and won trophies with us, he is well aware of the mentality this club has been built on. I am confident that together, Albert and Darren – along with the rest of the team – will set us on track to being the football club we are capable of being, and beyond.”

Meanwhile, Albert Roca also led Bengaluru FC to the final of the AFC Cup in the 2016 season. Roca is delighted to once again join hands with Bengaluru FC.

“I am delighted to return to Bengaluru FC, which has been my first home and family in India. We achieved some great things together during my time at the club, and I was sad when circumstances forced me to return to Spain. But football has given us another chance, one that I am excited about, and looking forward to. The club and its fans have had a tough last few seasons, and the ownership and management are determined to make this right. And I will do my best to make it happen,” said Roca.

On the other hand, Darren Caldeira feels it will be both honor and a challenge to work as a director for football for the Blues.

Speaking on his appointment, Caldeira said, “It is both – an honour and a challenge – to return to Bengaluru FC where I’ve had some of my fondest memories as a player. I’ve got this chance to give back to the club in a different role and it is one that I am very excited about. There is also the added advantage of working with someone as experienced as Albert and together, we’re looking forward to taking our football club to newer heights.”

Bengaluru FC will face ATK Mohun Bagan at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Sunday.