Bengaluru FC hire former Barcelona Coach Albert Roca

Bengaluru FC have roped in former FC Barcelona assistant manager Albert Roca as their head coach for the next season. The Blues have penned a two-year deal with Roca.

The 53-year-old Spaniard, who worked at Barcelona for five seasons from 2003-08, then followed Dutch manager Frank Rijkaard to Turkish club Galatasaray (2009-2010) and finally the Saudi Arabian national team (20112013). Roca's last job was as manager of the El Salvador national team, where he was in charge for a year.

As a player, Roca's most notable stints were with Real Zaragoza and CE Sabadell FC in the La Liga apart from shifts with a number of clubs in the second division. Roca was a centre-half during his playing days.

Roca takes on from Ashley Westwood, who was the head coach of Bengaluru FC for the last three seasons since the inception of the club.

Westwood left the club at the end of the last season having won two I-League titles and one Federation Cup win.

His first game in charge will be the AFC Cup quart Singapore side Tampines terfinal against Singapore side Tampines Rovers in September; a game he reckons will be a tough challenge. The Blues coach is expected to land in Bengaluru in the fourth week of July.