Albert Roca is Bengaluru FC’s new manager

The 53-year-old Spaniard, was Dutchman Frank Rijkaard’s number two for five seasons at Barcelona (2003-2008) during which the Catalans won the Champions League once, the La Liga twice and the Spanish Super Cup twice.

Roca, whose last job was as manager of the El Salvador national team (2014-15), has signed a two-year contract and will be expected to add to what have been three highly successful years for the club under Ashley Westwood.

Former Barcelona assistant coach Albert Roca has been appointed as reigning I-League champion Bengaluru FC’s new manager.

The 53-year-old Spaniard, was Dutchman Frank Rijkaard’s number two for five seasons at Barcelona (2003-2008) during which the Catalans won the Champions League once, the La Liga twice and the Spanish Super Cup twice before following him to the Turkish club Galatasaray (2009-2010) and finally to the Saudi Arabian national team (2011-2013).

Roca, whose last job was as manager of the El Salvador national team (2014-15), has signed a two-year contract and will be expected to add to what have been three highly successful years for the club under Ashley Westwood.

“Albert has been with some of the best clubs in Europe as well as spent time in developing countries because of which he will have a great sense of the challenges India would bring,” an official release quoted Parth Jindal, CEO, Bengaluru FC, as saying.

“I’m very satisfied to have signed with Bengaluru FC,” said Roca. “They are the champions of India, have fantastic supporters and most importantly, have a great support system and a management that is always hands on and wants to stay at the top.”

Roca’s first game in charge will be the AFC Cup quarterfinal against Singapore side Tampines Rovers in September but is expected to land in Bengaluru much earlier (fourth week of July).