Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2023-24), Mumbai City FC announced the appointment of Juan Maria Cruz Arias as the Club’s goalkeeping coach.
The Spaniard returns to the Islanders for his second stint after he was a part of the Club’s coaching staff during the 2020-21 season, winning the League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Trophy.
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The 55-year-old brings in his vast experience having previously coached at notable clubs like Cádiz CF and CD Mirandés (Spain), Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia), Moghreb Tétouan (Morocco), Al Ahli SC and Umm Salal SC (Qatar) and most recently at fellow CFG club Sichuan Jiuniu in China.
Juanma Cruz will join Des Buckingham’s First Team coaching staff along with Hiroshi Miyazawa (assistant coach), Anthony Fernandes (assistant coach) and Danny Deigan (strength & conditioning coach).
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Speaking on his appointment, Juanma Cruz said, “My experience of working at Mumbai City FC during my first spell here in 2020 was very fulfilling. The management and the staff gave me the platform to be able to work to the best of my abilities, and I was proud I could contribute to winning the ‘double’ with the biggest Club in India.”
“Naturally, when the opportunity came about to return to Mumbai City FC, I did not need a second thought. I’m looking forward to working together with Des Buckingham, his staff, the players and most importantly, the goalkeepers. I believe that we can continue to achieve big things like the Club has in recent years and I am looking forward to helping the Club in the pursuit of success,” he added.
Des Buckingham, Head Coach, Mumbai City FC said, “With his vast coaching experience, Juanma is a great addition to our coaching staff. Everyone at Mumbai City FC who has worked with Juanma spoke highly of him and his familiarity with the Club, the players and the staff here will certainly be an advantage. I am pleased to welcome Juanma to our staff group and I look forward to closely working with him.”
