Kannur: Manuel Sanchez, head coach of Kannur Warriors FC, has made history in Kerala’s Super League by becoming the first coach to lead a team to the semifinals in consecutive seasons. In the league’s inaugural season, he guided Kannur Warriors to the semifinals, but the team lost to Force Kochi. They secured third place that year. In the second season, Sanchez again successfully brought the team to the semifinals, where they will face Calicut FC on December 10.
“I’m happy to be the first coach to reach the semifinals twice in the Super League, but the real credit goes to my players and support staff. This journey belongs to the entire Kannur Warriors family,” said Manuel Sanchez. He is also the only foreign coach remaining in the league this season. Sanchez began his career at Racing Ferrol, a third-division club in Spain, and has played for major La Liga clubs like Celta de Vigo and Osasuna. He started coaching in 2009, working with teams such as Sporting Gijon and Real Avil in the second division.