Indian Super League champions East Bengal have ushered in a new era by appointing experienced Spanish tactician Antonio Lopez Habas as their head coach for the 2026-27 season. The decorated manager returns to Indian football with an impressive trophy haul and will be assisted by Carlos Agustin Fonseca Teijeiro as the club targets continued domestic and continental success.
Antonio Lopez Habas is set lead a new chapter for East Bengal
East Bengal have officially named Antonio Lopez Habas as the head coach of their senior men’s football team for the upcoming campaign, reinforcing their ambitions after winning the Indian Super League title. The Spaniard, one of the most successful foreign coaches to work in India, takes charge with the responsibility of maintaining the club’s winning standards.
It’s official now. Kolkata giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan announce their new Head Coaches on the same day. Antonio Lopez Habas will join East Bengal while Panagiotis Dilmperis will don the hot seat of Green & Maroon brigade. pic.twitter.com/7y3EulKKiY— Debasis Sen (@debasissen) July 6, 2026
Welcoming Habas, East Bengal president M.L. Lohia said, “We are delighted to welcome Antonio López Habas to the East Bengal family. Coach Habas is one of the most accomplished and respected football coaches to have worked in Indian football. His proven leadership, tactical acumen, professionalism, and winning mentality make him an ideal choice to lead our team into a new era.”
He further added, “East Bengal is more than just a football club—it is an institution built on passion, pride and the unwavering support of millions of fans across the globe. We are confident that Coach Habas shares these values, and will inspire our players to uphold the rich legacy of this great Club. On behalf of the entire East Bengal family, I extend him a very warm welcome and wish him the very best in this exciting journey.”
Antonio Lopez Habas is looking forward to embrace the challenge
Habas brings a wealth of experience to Kolkata, having won three Indian Super League titles, two ISL Cups and one League Shield—along with an I-League title. A former Atletico Madrid player, he has also managed Spanish clubs such as Valencia, Celta de Vigo and Sporting Gijon, besides guiding Bolivia to the runners-up finish at the 1997 Copa America.
🚨OFFICIAL🚨
East Bengal Club, the reigning Indian Super League champions, are proud to
announce the appointment of renowned Spanish tactician Antonio López Habas as the Head Coach of the Club’s Men’s Senior Football Team for the 2026–27 season.#teamaikya #IndianFootball #EBFC… https://t.co/f731du6V9V— 𝐋𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐝 𝐀𝐢𝐤𝐲𝐚 (@EB_LHA1920) July 6, 2026
Expressing his excitement about the challenge, Habas said, “It is my true honor to join East Bengal. I embrace this challenge with excitement, humility and a great sense of responsibility. From today, all our efforts will be dedicated to representing this badge with pride, and fighting together to achieve the club’s ambitions. I am looking forward to seeing all the fans soon in Kolkata!”
The club also confirmed the appointment of Carlos Agustin Fonseca Teijeiro as assistant coach. East Bengal believes his international coaching experience and modern football philosophy will complement Habas’ approach, strengthening the technical setup as the Red and Gold Brigade look to compete for honours in India and on the continental stage.
