PANJIM: Goa’s much-acclaimed coach Clifford Miranda is in the process of finalising his new assignment, depending on the negotiations with an ISL and three I-league Clubs, after he parted ways with Odisha FC on Friday.
Odisha FC announced the departure of their Super Cup winning coach Clifford and appointed Floyd Pinto as the new assistant coach. He leaves the club after a fabulous year as a coach.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Clifford, who led Odisha FC to their first silverware, stated that he would decide about his future assignment after his talks which are in crucial stage with an ISL club and three I-league Clubs.
“Yes, I was offered an elevated position by Odisha FC, that of assistant coach working directly with head coach Segio Lobera,” disclosed Clifford. “But I declined it politely,” he added.
Odisha FC in a press statement said: “We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and acknowledge Clifford for his immense contribution to the overall growth and success of the team during the 2022-2023 season. Under his guidance, the club won its first trophy in the form of the Hero Super Cup and secured a spot in the AFC Cup Group Stage for the first time in its history.”
“The Club would like to announce that Clifford Miranda will be parting ways with Odisha FC, despite being offered an elevated position within the club. Clifford has chosen to pursue a different journey and new challenges. He leaves with our immense gratitude.” At the same time, Odisha confirmed the appointment of Floyd as the assistant coach of the senior team on a 2-year deal with an option to extend for a further year.
It was under the guidance of Clifford that Odisha FC won its first trophy in the form of Super Cup and also secured a spot in AFC Cup group stage for the first time in its history. Clifford has displayed superb dedication and a deep understanding of the game. His passion coupled with exceptional coaching abilities has had a profound impact on the players and the overall development of the team.
Clifford, who became the first Indian coach to win a major trophy for an ISL club had taken over as the interim head coach at the end of the season after the departure of Joseph Gombau, guided the club to superb victories in grand style while playing a new brand of attacking and attractive style of football. His contribution to the overall growth and success of Odisha FC, was fantastic.
“Coaching comes second. It’s your interest that drives you as a coach. And with that, your clarity,” Clifford divulged. “Once you are a coach you need to decide your philosophy – as to what kind of football you want your team to play. You cannot be blank in your mind, and go there on the field.”
“Coaching is not a normal job. Here you need to read into minds, manage different personalities. At the same time, you need to have in-depth knowledge of technique, tactics, understand the psychological aspects of not just the players but the entire squad – you need to man-manage. A coach needs to be modern.”
“The world is evolving every day and along with that, football too. The mentality of today’s player compared to some 20-years back is entirely different. Today’s players are more forthcoming, and are brave. So a coach needs to be prepared. If you stay stuck to old times, it can backfire,” Clifford maintained. “For example, 20 years back, or even 10 years back, there was no social media. It’s an entirely different world now.”
Meanwhile, Pinto took interim charge of the Highlanders at the end of the ISL 2022-23 season and lifted the team after a disappointing season and guided them to the semi-finals of the Super Cup.
The 36-year-old has had successful stints with the India U-17 and U-19 teams as well as with the Indian Arrows side. He guided the junior national team to victory in the SAFF U-19 Championships.
