After a dismal run of form, Odisha FC decided to part ways with Kiko Ramirez and have replaced him with another Kino Garcia to lead them for the remainder of this edition’s Indian Super League. The side have picked up just 13 points in 10 games under Ramirez in the ongoing Indian Super League campaign and find themselves in the ninth position.
Odisha have conceded the most goals in the tournament and have picked up just one win in their last six outings. They faced a couple of big defeats in the hands of Hyderabad FC (0-4, Dec 14) and Jamshedpur (1-6, Dec 28), but their 2-0 defeat to Kerala Blasters on January 12 turned out to be the final nail in the coffin.
In the club statement, they have mentioned that it was a difficult decision to part ways with Ramirez, who boasts of great experience in managing the lower division clubs in Spain. They thanked him for his service and announced Garcia as the interim boss.
“This has been a very difficult decision and not one that the club owners and management have taken lightly.
After lengthy deliberation and consideration amongst the club’s technical committee, it was decided a change is needed now to give the club time to improve performances and results this season. The club would like to thank Kiko for his efforts and wishes him the best for the future.
We would like to confirm the appointment of Kino Garcia as the interim head coach,”
the club statement read.
The Spaniard spent a lot of time with the youth teams in his home country and is renowned for his time at Valencia’s youth team. He played a crucial role in nurturing many young talents who currently are featuring in top division Spanish football, and he is being seen as the man to save Odisha’s sinking ship.
The manager has worked with Levante UD women’s team in the first division at the senior level and holds a UEFA Pro License in coaching.
Odisha’s next four games include three clashes against bottom-half teams and one match against Hyderabad FC. They will be keen on garnering some form in Garcia’s first few games to push for a top-four finish, which isn’t totally out of reach.
Odisha FC next 5 Indian Super League games
| Date | Against |
| January 18 | NorthEast United (away) |
| January 27 | Hyderabad FC (home) |
| February 1 | FC Goa (away) |
| February 7 | SC East Bengal (away) |
| February 13 | ATK Mohun Bagan (home) |
