Breaking: Hyderabad FC part ways with Albert Roca as Barcelona came calling

Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC have parted ways with their newly appointed Spanish manager Albert Roca on Saturday. Roca was appointed as HFC’s head coach in June last year. Recently after the managerial change in Barcelona, current manager Ronald Koeman wanted Roca by his side and this resulted in a mutual agreement between Roca and Hyderabad FC and the club let him go.

Roca was in the managerial team of FC Barcelona from 2003-2008. He was appointed by Frank Rijkaard back in 2003 and during that period Roca had a good time as the Barcelona team emerged to greatness. The Catalonia man was again called in the managerial team after Ronald Koeman was appointed as the Barca boss. Koeman wants to build up a new and organized Barcelona side which lost its old glory in recent years. Henrik Larsson has already joined Koeman’s managerial team and now it was Roca’s turn to show up.

Varun Tripuraneni, Hyderabad FC co-owner said, “I congratulate Albert as he is set for his new role at FC Barcelona. While parting ways with him has been tough to come to terms with, Albert has shown utmost professionalism in his approach and working ways with us right from the start in January, to date. While the going was tough at the club initially, Albert gave the entire club – players, support staff, and fans enormous faith and confidence. Albert leaves us, putting the club in a good position from where we can build upon. I wish him all the success with his new role.”

Albert Roca said, “For me, it’s been a tough decision to make. I am thankful to everyone at HFC for showing immense faith in me since I joined back in January. I am aware that all our fans will be disheartened but believe me, it’s not an easy goodbye for me either. I wish HFC the very best for the upcoming season and the future and I am extremely positive that Hyderabad FC will be one of the top sides this season. I will be assisting the management during the transition phase. Trust me, the club is in great hands and I will be following the club this season and in the future.”

Roca has been a successful coach in India. During his two years as a Bengaluru FC manager, he won a Federation Cup, a Super Cup and took Bengaluru FC in the finals of the AFC Cup. So after a disappointing last season, Hyderabad FC was planning to change their fortunes this season under a successful manager like Roca, but now they have to look for a new manager and the management has announced they will announce it very soon.