ISL: Bengaluru FC appoint Simon Grayson as head coach after Marco Pezzaiuoli part ways with club

Bengaluru FC has decided to name Simon Grayson as the head coach ahead of the next season of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23 after the club decided to part ways with Marco Pezzaiuoli. Grayson has signed a two-year contract with the team, the club announced on their social media handle on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Grayson has the experience of playing more than 500 matches in England’s top division football. He got into management in 2004 and he has played an instrumental role in promoting four teams in the English division. The veteran has managed in 728 matches and seven teams during his glorious career.

Thus, Grayson is going to bring a lot of experience to the Blues and he will look to get the best out of his players.

“Coming to India was a possibility that I had looked into two years ago. But the pandemic put all things on hold. When the chance came across again, I was excited to look into it. This presents a new opportunity in my football career and it is one that really excites me,” said Grayson, after completing the formalities on his deal.

“When I spoke to the owner, his mindset was the same as mine. I want this club to be winning trophies again. I am aware that BFC has been very successful in the past but the last few years haven’t worked out like everybody would have liked it to. That happens in football – you learn from it and strive to do better – to get players to work harder on the pitch and off the pitch; that’s the exciting part for me,” said Grayson.

Grayson added that Bengaluru FC have promising players on their team and he will look to guide them on the right track.

“BFC have some very good young players coming through from the academy and hopefully they’ve learned from their minutes in the first team last season. I truly believe that they can be a massive asset to the football club, and coupled with the players who join, I think this is the perfect opportunity for me, especially because it will be a football season with the supporters. I’m coming not just to spend a period of time learning football in a different country. I’m coming here to win trophies at what is a fantastic football club,” added Grayson.

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC finished at sixth place in the standings in Hero ISL 2021-22 season with eight wins in 20 matches and thus could not qualify for the semifinal stages. Ergo, the club decided not to continue with Marco Pezzaiuoli.