ISL: Chennaiyin FC rope in Thomas Brdaric as new head coach

Two-time champions Chennaiyin FC have roped in the services of Thomas Brdaric as their new head coach ahead of the next season of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23, the club announced on their social media handle on Tuesday.

As a player, Brdaric played for various German clubs in the Bundesliga including VfB Stuttgart, Hannover 96 and VfL Wolfsburg. He was also part of Bayern Leverkusen, which finished as the runners-up in the 2002 Champions League.

On the other hand, he represented Germany’s national team on eight occasions and also scored a goal. Brdaric mostly played as a striker and found the back of the net on 102 occasions in 342 appearances.

In his recent head coach role, he led KF Vllaznia to the Albanian Cup for two successive seasons. The team finished as runners-up in the Albanian Cup in the 2020-21 season.

Brdaric has the experience of coaching the team in 75 matches, in which the side has won 50 while 15 games have ended in draws.

The 47-year-old is looking forward to the opportunity and gave his gratitude to Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani.

“First of all, I would like to thank Mrs. Vita Dani and the Chennaiyin family for putting their faith in me. Honestly, I am looking forward to this incredible journey. This will be a great experience and a challenge where we will push further as one team. This is not my first time outside of Germany, therefore I am aware of most circumstances and I am ready to move forward with Chennaiyin FC. I can’t wait to get started,” were Brdaric’s first words as Chennaiyin FC boss.

Speaking on Chennaiyin FC’s new boss, co-owner Vita Dani said: “We are delighted to have Thomas Brdaric lead the team in our first real long season. We are well aware of the impact he has had at every club that he has coached and we aspire to replicate the same at CFC. We believe that his philosophy and playing style is in line with our vision.”

On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC could not qualify for the semifinal stages in the previous season as they only managed five wins in their 20 league stage matches. Thus, they finished at the eighth place in the points table, and thus Thomas Brdaric will be determined to turn the tables in the upcoming season.