Mumbai City FC have appointed Ashvir Singh Johal as their new head coach for the remainder of the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season, the club confirmed on Saturday, 14 November 2026. The 31-year-old English coach, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, becomes the Islanders' new bench boss after Manolo Marquez parted ways with the club earlier this season.

Who Is Ashvir Singh Johal

Born in Leicester, Johal began his football journey as both a player and coach at local non-league side Guru Nanak Gurdwara FC before transitioning into the academy system at Leicester City. He spent 10 years in the club's youth development structure, coaching players up to the Under-18 level — a foundation that shaped his emphasis on player development.

Johal stepped into senior first-team football during the 2022-23 season, serving as assistant coach to former Arsenal defender Kolo Toure at Wigan Athletic. He subsequently moved to Italian club Como, working under Cesc Fabregas with the Primavera side during the 2023-24 season — exposure that added a continental tactical dimension to his coaching profile.

He went on to lead Notts County's B team between 2024 and 2025, before being handed his first senior head coaching role at Morecambe FC in 2025, at which point he was reportedly the youngest head coach in the top five divisions of English football.

What the Club Said

Mumbai City director of football Sujay Sharma said the appointment followed a detailed selection process and that the club was impressed by Johal's footballing philosophy, experience and commitment to player development. 'We were particularly impressed by his understanding of the modern game, his approach to coaching and his emphasis on developing players,' Sharma said.

Sharma also acknowledged Johal's relative inexperience at the senior managerial level while backing him firmly: 'We recognise that Ashvir is at an early stage of his senior managerial career. However, we believe that his experience, footballing ideas, ambition and alignment with the Club's philosophy make him the right person for this opportunity. We are confident in our decision and look forward to supporting him as he takes on this responsibility.'

Sharma stressed that the club's immediate priority remains getting the best out of the existing squad, competing at the highest level, and creating opportunities for Indian players to cement their places.

Johal's First Words as Head Coach

Johal expressed enthusiasm at taking charge of one of the ISL's most decorated clubs. 'I am delighted to join Mumbai City FC and take on the responsibility of leading the Club. Mumbai City has established a strong identity and a clear footballing philosophy, and the alignment between that vision and my own approach to the game was an important factor in my decision,' he said.

Outlining his immediate priorities, Johal added: 'We have a talented squad, and my immediate focus will be on building a strong collective, establishing the right standards and preparing the team to compete in every match.'

Context and What Comes Next

The appointment follows Mumbai City FC's mid-season split with Manolo Marquez, leaving the former ISL champions needing a fresh impetus. The club's recruitment of a relatively young, UEFA Pro Licence-holder with cross-club experience across England and Italy signals a deliberate long-term bet rather than a quick fix. Johal is set to arrive in India and join the squad shortly, with the Islanders keen to rebuild momentum as the season heads into its critical phase.