Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters FC have wasted no time in appointing a new head coach, announcing the arrival of David Catala on Tuesday. The Spaniard joins the club on a one-year deal, taking over from TG Purushothamman, who previously served as interim head coach.

Catala has enjoyed a distinguished playing career, amassing over 500 professional club appearances. While he is still building his managerial career, he has worked in multiple countries across Europe and achieved notable success. Kerala Blasters FC fans have plenty to be excited about, as the club looks to finish the 2024-25 season on a strong note.

Here’s a closer look at Catala’s journey and what he brings to the table.

1) Extensive experience

A former central defender, Catala spent most of his playing career in Spain before moving to Cypriot club AEK Larnaca, where he played before retiring. Post-retirement, he took charge of the club’s youth team and was later appointed as head coach during the 2021-22 season. Under his guidance, AEK Larnaca secured a third-place finish in the regular season and finished second in the championship round, which earned them a spot in the second round of the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League qualifiers. They were eliminated on penalties by FC Midtjylland.

Following his successful stint with AEK Larnaca, Catala moved to rivals Apollon Limassol, continuing his coaching career in Cyprus. He then took charge of Croatian club NK Istra 1961 in the Croatian First Football League and later managed CE Sabadell in the Primera Federacion, the third tier of Spanish football.

2) Style of play

Catala's philosophy focuses on tactical flexibility and structured pressing. His teams shift between low, middle, and high defensive blocks while applying pressure both in attack and defense. During his managerial career, he has mostly stuck with a four-man backline, utilising full-backs for width and midfielders for control in transitions. While his teams build up progressively from the back, they also use long balls when necessary to bypass pressure.

3) Taste of silverware

Despite his relatively short managerial career, Català has already secured a trophy. He won the 2022-23 Cypriot Super Cup with Apollon Limassol, defeating Omonia Nicosia in the final. Apollon had earned their place in the final after winning the Cypriot First Division the previous season. The triumph marked the club’s fourth Super Cup title, overcoming Omonia, who hold the record for the most Super Cup victories.

4) Experience in big tournaments

Catala has gained valuable experience managing teams in European competitions. During the 2022-23 season, he led Apollon Limassol in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, where they faced Cypriot heavyweights Olympiakos. Despite securing a 1-1 draw at home, they lost the final leg 4-2. Apollon Limassol subsequently entered the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage, where they were drawn alongside Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, Ukraine’s SC Dnipro, and FC Vaduz from Switzerland. They narrowly missed out on qualification to the knockout stages, finishing third in the group, just three points behind second-placed Dnipro, while Alkmaar topped the group.

5) Played alongside former ISL players and other big names

Catala has played alongside former Bengaluru FC forward Toni Dovale and former FC Pune City midfielder Jonathan Vila at Celta Vigo. Spain forward Iago Aspas and former Premier League striker Michu are the other big names he shared the dressing room with during his time at Celta Vigo.