NorthEast United FC has appointed Israel’s Marvo Balbul as the team’s new head coach ahead of the ninth season of the Hero Indian Super League, the club announced on Thursday. Balbul will take over the baton from Khalid Jamil, who had left at the end of the previous season of the Hero ISL.

The Highlanders had a disappointing run in the previous season of the tournament as they could only manage three wins in 20 league stage matches and thus finished at 10th place in the points table. Ergo, Marco Balbul will be tasked with a difficult job and he will look to help the club in turning the tables in the upcoming season.

“I’m excited to be part of the NorthEast United FC family. I can’t wait for the season to begin and I will see you all in Guwahati very soon,” Balbul said after being appointed in his new role.

Meanwhile, Marco Balbul has led Maccabi Haifa to the finals on two occasions in the Israeli Premier League but the team failed to cross the last hurdle. He also managed Israel’s Under-21 team for two years.

As a player, Balbul played for two Israeli heavyweights Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv and won the Israeli Premier League on three occasions.

Thus, Balbul has all the experience under his belt and he will look to get the best of his players before the upcoming season of the ISL. The Highlanders will need to come up with a collective effort and Balbul will have his hit work cut out.

Balbul will take charge of the team in the preseason and he will look to hit the ground running with the support staff and most importantly with the players.