Kerala Blasters FC ended their Indian Super League (ISL) 2022–23 journey against Bengaluru FC in the Playoff game after a 1-0 defeat. The Blasters who have been hurting since will want to make amends in the new season.

KBFC have spent a very busy summer transfer window. Many important players like Sahal Abdul Samad and Prabhsukhan Singh Gill left the club, and players like Pritam Kotal and Ishan Pandita have come in. 

The three-time ISL Cup runners-up weren't at their best in the Durand Cup 2023, as they were knocked out in the group stages. Earlier this month, KBFC went to the UAE for a pre-season tour, where they played friendly games against UAE Pro League clubs. 

Performance in the ISL so far 

KBFC reached the final twice in the ISL’s opening three seasons but failed to win the ISL Cup. In the next few seasons, their performance levels dropped and couldn't make it to the knockout stages

The Manjappada Brigade bounced back and made it to the playoffs for the last two consecutive seasons under their Serbian head coach, Ivan Vukomanovic. But the ISL Cup has remained elusive. 

Season	Outcome
2014	4th (Runners-up)
2015	8th (Last)
2016	2nd (Runners-up)
2017-18	6th
2018-19	9th
2019-20	7th
2020-21	10th
2021-22	4th (Runners-up)
2022-23	5th (Playoffs)

 Team Composition and Transfer Dealings 

Kerala Blasters FC have been going through a transition as many of their first-team players, like Samad, Gill, and Ayush Adhikari have left the club. To fill the void, KBFC have signed Ishan Pandita, Lara Sharma, Prabir Das, and many other promising Indian players. Kotal’s inclusion has been the best domestic signing for them. 

To reinforce their attacking line, Kerala Blasters FC have also brought in Japanese forward Daisuke Sakai and Ghanian striker Kwame Peprah. 

Transfers 

Ins: 

Daisuke Sakai, Freddy Lallawmawma, Aibanbha Dohling, Kwame Peprah, Milos Drincic, Ishan Pandita, Lara Sharma, Pritam Kotal, Naocha Singh, Prabir Das, and Jaushua Sotirio 

Outs: 

Givson Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Prabhsukhan Gill, Nishu Kumar, Denechandra Metei, Victor Mongil, Apostolos Giannou, Ivan Kaliuzhnyi, Harmanjot Khabra, Muheet Khan, Jessel Carneiro, and Ayush Adhikari 

To see the full squad of Kerala Blasters FC, click here. 

Key Players 

Adrian Luna 

Adrian Luna has been one of the finest creative midfielders in the ISL. The Uruguayan has created the most chances for KBFC in the last two seasons. In Luna, KBFC finds a highly productive player with magical creativity and goalscoring prowess. 

Since joining the Kerala Blasters, Luna has 10 goals and 13 assists to his name in all competitions.

Dimitrios Diamantakos 

Dimitrios Diamantakos has proven himself to be one of the best number 9s in the ISL. Work rate and clinical finishing are his biggest strengths. The Greek striker was the club’s top goal scorer last season, with 12 goals to his name across all competitions. 

Fixtures 

On September 21, the Kerala Blasters will face Bengaluru FC in ISL 2023-24’s inaugural match at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. They will face Jamshedpur FC at home in their next game. 

Vukomanovic’s men will face Mohun Bagan Super Giant FC at VYBK on December 27 in their last game of 2023. 

For Kerala Blasters FC’s full fixuters, click here.