KOLKATA: After parting ways with the only silverware-winning coach in the club's history early on Friday, Odisha FC confirmed later in the day that former India Under-19 manager Floyd Pinto would join them as an assistant to new head coach Sergio Lobera.
The club has roped in Pinto as the assistant coach of the senior men's side on a two-year deal with an option to extend for a further year. "The club welcomes the arrival of Floyd Pinto who will take over as the Assistant Coach of the senior men's team," Odisha FC said in a statement.
Earlier, the club said in a separate statement, "The club would like to announce that Clifford Miranda will be parting ways with Odisha FC."
Expressing their gratitude towards Miranda for his role in guiding the Juggernauts to the Super Cup win as the interim head coach following Josep Gombau's departure after the 2022-23 India Super League (ISL) season, the club further added, "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. Despite being offered an elevated position within the club, Clifford has chosen to pursue a different journey and new challenges. We wish him well always!"
However, despite Miranda's departure, a highly acclaimed Pinto joining forces with the Kalinga Warriors augurs well for the Bhubaneswar-based side. Beginning his coaching career with age-group teams of Kenkre FC way back in 2009-10 season, the Mumbai-born gaffer went on to take charge as the India U19 head coach, leading the boys to SAFF U19 Championship victory in 2019.
The 36-year-old has also worked with India U-17 side as an assistant to coach Luis Norton De Matos, who managed the side during the 2017 FIFA World Cup held in India. Having gained prominence for his association with the national teams, Pinto continued his coaching career with clubs like Indian Arrows, Roundglass Punjab and NorthEast United FC.
Last season, his tenure with NEUFC saw the beleaguered team qualify for the Super Cup semifinals. As an assistant, Pinto is likely to play a crucial role in developing the squad for the upcoming season with Lobera.
