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Here are all the key updates from December 14, Thursday:
Bengaluru FC name Gerard Zaragoza as new Head Coach
Bengaluru FC has announced the replacement of Simon Grayson, bringing back a familiar face in Gerard Zaragoza, BFC's former assistant coach (to Carles Cuadrat) when they won ISL back in 2019.
The Spaniard has signed on a deal until the end of the 2024-25 season. Argentinian Sebastian Vega, who was part of Zaragoza's backroom staff at Khor Fakkan, Al-Ahli and Panserraikos, has been named assistant coach.
The 41-year-old Zaragoza has had stints at Greek side Panserraikos and, most recently, Emirati UAE Pro League side Khor Fakkan Club, where he was named Manager of the Week on two occasions.
Vamos, Jefe! ????????
Bengaluru FC have appointed Spanish tactician Gerard Zaragoza, part of the Blues' ISL-winning squad, as Head Coach on a deal that runs through till the end of the 2024-25 campaign. ✍️#WelcomeGerard #WeAreBFC #Santhoshakke ???? pic.twitter.com/DJrIZAta7U
- Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) December 14, 2023
A former youth footballer himself, Zaragoza managed the Catalonia U14s and U16s and was also part of the Aspire Academy's Qatari branch in 2010. In 2011, he was named Head Coach of RCD Espanyol's Cadete squad. The Spaniard moved to Erovnuli Liga 2 side Locomotive Tbilisi in 2012, achieving promotion to Liga 1 the following year. Following multiple stints in Georgia and Qatar, Zaragoza was named Assistant Coach to Carles Cuadrat in Bengaluru FC's title-winning squad of 2018-19. At the end of the season, he took the position of Head Coach at Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC's U21s, eventually going on to manage the First Team. Zaragoza managed Al-Ahli to a quarterfinal finish in the AFC Champions League.
What's in store today?
India face Germany in the semifinals of the Junior Hockey World Cup which starts at 3:30 pm. India's juniors have lost all four times they have faced Germany this year, although spirits are high after a comeback win over Netherlands in the quarterfinal.
The Indian women's cricket team are in action in a rare home test match, and they face England at the DY Patil Ground in Navi Mumbai, with action beginning at 9:30 am.
The Indian men's cricket team are also in action later in the day, as they face South Africa in the 3rd T20I, beginning at 8:30 pm.
Kerala Blasters are away to Punjab FC in Indian Super League action, with the hosts yet to win in nine games, while the Blasters are flying high in second place.
What happened yesterday?
Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, becoming the first Asian men to do so.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy - Chirag Shetty's heroics this year did not go unnoticed, with the pair nominated for the Khel Ratna, Cricket star Mohammed Shami was also one of those nominated for the Arjuna Award
The last day of the Bengaluru leg in the PKL saw two thrillers as Tamil Thalaivas beat Telugu Titans (38-36) while Bengaluru Bulls beak Jaipur Pink Panthers (32-30)
Bengaluru FC, who parted ways with manager Simon Grayson earlier this week, fell to another defeat away to Chennaiyin FC by a 0-2 scoreline.
You can check all the details of yesterday's news events here.