Former India head coach Stephen Constantine will be in charge of East Bengal during the upcoming edition of Indian Super League, the club said on Wednesday.
"Emami Group and East Bengal club are delighted to announce that the former national team head coach, Stephen Constantine has been appointed as our head coach for the 2022-23 football season," a media statement said.
The 59-year-old Constantine's appointment marks his return to the country after coaching the national team on two separate occasions. During Constantine's second stint, India improved their FIFA rankings from 173rd to 97th position.
Constantine took charge of the national team for the first time in 2002. It was under him that India had won the 2002 LG Cup in Vietman, which became one of the most memorable wins for the national team.
Delighted and very excited at being made Head Coach of Emami East Bengal. Can't wait to get over there and get to work. pic.twitter.com/oPxqzvnMRg
- StephenConstantine (@StephenConstan) July 27, 2022
He was again appointed as the coach of the national team in January 2015 and guided the team to the 2016 SAFF Cup victory. India then qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup but Constantine resigned from the job after the team was ousted in the group stage of the tournament despite winning their opening match against Thailand.
"Delighted and very excited at being made Head Coach of Emami East Bengal. Can't wait to get over there and get to work," Constantine said on Twitter.
East Bengal entered ISL in the 2020-21 season and finished ninth among 11 teams. They also endured a tough campaign in the next season where they finished last with just one win from 20 matches.