Belgian Olympian Philippe Goldberg has been appointed as the new head coach of Soorma Hockey Club ahead of the 2026 Hockey India League season, with Ignacio Ricardo Bergner joining as Analytical Coach. (Image Credit: X/Soorma Hockey Club)
Soorma Hockey Club announced the appointment of Belgian Olympian Philippe Goldberg as the head coach ahead of the second season of the Hockey India League, while Argentine Olympian Ignacio Ricardo Bergner joined him as Analytical Coach, with former head coach Jeroen Baart shifting to an advisory role with a dedicated focus on strategy and technical development.
The club, which finished an impressive third in its debut season, has maintained a core set of players and now seeks to climb higher under the new management. “Joining Soorma Hockey Club is a fantastic opportunity to be part of this evolving hockey landscape in India,” Goldberg said after taking charge.
Philippe Goldberg was born on May 10, 1979, in Etterbeek, Belgium. He is a retired Olympian and an accomplished field hockey coach. He represented Belgium at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was part of the country's transformation into a global hockey powerhouse.
After his playing career, Goldberg transitioned into coaching, leading Belgium's U21 and senior teams before taking up roles with top European clubs. Known for his tactical awareness and structured approach, he helped shape Belgium's attacking systems that brought them to international prominence.
Goldberg's philosophy combines European precision with adaptability traits that make him a strong fit in a competitive league like the Hockey India League.
Goldberg talked about the three pillars of his coaching philosophy: discipline, creativity, and consistency. "The team has laid a great foundation, and my goal is to build on it with a strategic framework that promotes discipline, creativity, and sustained performance," he said. "Together, we'll build a brand of hockey that's bold, intelligent, and unmistakably Soorma."
Technical Director Arjun Halappa hailed the new appointments as a “significant step” for the franchise, saying that Goldberg, with his structured yet expressive style, fits perfectly with the philosophy of the club. He added that Bergner's analytical depth would elevate match preparation and tactical precision.
Soorma will begin their 2026 campaign against defending champions Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in Chennai on January 4.
With Goldberg at the helm and Bergner providing the analytical insight, Soorma Hockey Club has signaled its intent to challenge for the title in the upcoming season.
It is expected that such a blend between continuity in the core of players and innovation in the coaching setup will make the team both balanced and dynamic.
The appointment also reflects the league's growing internationalization: Indian hockey clubs are increasingly bringing in global expertise to strengthen tactical foundations and player development.
