Kerala Blasters FC will look forward to starting afresh under the guidance of head coach Mikael Stahre as they aim to end their trophy drought this time.

Since their inception in 2014, the Yellow Army has reached the ISL Cup final three times but has been unable to cross the line. Former head coach Ivan Vukomanovic laid a strong foundation by helping the Blasters qualify for the playoffs three consecutive times.

In the recently concluded Durand Cup, Kerala Blasters FC displayed dominant performances in the group-stage fixtures but suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat in the quarter-final against Bengaluru FC. However, the Blasters will aim to build on the positives to enjoy a successful campaign in the forthcoming season.

With the ISL 2024-25 season is just about to begin, we take a close look at the Blasters' overall squad, their key players, head coach and more.

Team Composition and Transfer dealings

Kerala Blasters FC have revamped their squad with several new signings during the summer transfer window.

Under the stewardship of their newly appointed head coach, the Blasters have assembled a formidable offensive unit featuring new signings Noah Sadaoui, Jesus Jimenez alongside Kwame Peprah and Adrian Luna. 

Experienced French defender Alexandre Coeff has joined the team, and defender Milos Drincic has penned a contract extension, enhancing their defensive stability.

However, Kerala Blasters FC have also experienced several departures, including last season's Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos. Former captain and defender Marko Leskovic has also bid farewell after spending three years with the club.

Players In

Jesus Jimenez (Joined from OFI Crete) Details
Alexandre Coeff (Joined from SM Caen) Details
Noah Sadaoui (Joined from FC Goa) Details
Nora Fernandes (Joined from Aizawl FC) Details
R. Lalthanmawia (Joined from Aizawl FC) Details
Likmabam Rakesh (Joined from Neroca FC) Details
Naocha Singh (Joined from Mumbai City FC) Details
Som Kumar (Joined from NK Olimpija Ljubljana) Details

Players Out

Aritra Das (Joined Inter Kashi FC) Details
Jeakson Singh (Joined East Bengal FC) Details
Nishu Kumar (Joined East Bengal FC) Details
Dimitrios Diamantakos (Joined East Bengal FC) Details
Karanjit Singh (End of Contract) Details
Lara Sharma (Joined FC Goa) Details
Daisuke Sakai (End of Contract) Details
Marko Leskovic (End of Contract) Details
Fedor Cerynch (End of Contract) Details

Key Players

Adrian Luna

Adrian Luna is set to be the creative hub for the Blasters once again. The Uruguayan attacking midfielder has played a pivotal role in Kerala Blasters FC's playoff-qualifications over the years.

In his 53 appearances for the club, Luna has recorded 30 goal contributions, including 13 goals and 17 assists. The Blasters' No. 10, who recently signed a multi-year extension with the club, will be aiming to reach new heights with his eye-catching skills and offensive versatility, having missed the majority of last season due to injury.

Noah Sadaoui

Noah Sadaoui joined the Blasters during the recent transfer window. The Moroccan winger-forward recorded the highest number of goals in the Durand Cup 2024 and was awarded the prestigious Golden Boot accolade.

The former FC Goa player has proven himself as a goalscorer in the league and has also demonstrated his ability to create chances for his teammates. Sadaoui has registered 20 goals and 14 assists in his 43 appearances in the ISL. As the top scorer for FC Goa last season, he will be looking to continue his impressive form at his new club.

Head Coach

Mikael Stahre

With a coaching career spanning more than twenty years, Stahre has amassed experience across various leagues and countries. His professional journey has taken him to Sweden, Greece, China, the USA, Norway with Sarpsborg, and Thailand.

The Swedish head coach favours high-pressing, attacking football. Additionally, Stahre is renowned for nurturing young prospects throughout his managerial career, a quality that could prove instrumental for the Blasters given their pool of young talents, including Mohammed Azhar, Freddy Lallawmawma, Vibin Mohanan, and others.

“(We would) Try to be competitive in every training session. I strongly believe that the high intensity is quite connected to the winning mentality, and then we try to be competitive, and in training, we want to create an atmosphere of winning the training games," the Blasters head coach earlier said in an interview.

Fixtures

The Blasters will begin their ISL 2024-25 season with back-to-back home games against Punjab FC and East Bengal FC. They will then travel to Guwahati for their final fixture of September, where Stahre's men will face Durand Cup 2024 champions NorthEast United FC.

In October, Kerala Blasters FC will have two away matches against Odisha FC and Mohammedan SC. To conclude the month, they will host Bengaluru FC in a high-stakes encounter.

Take a look at their full fixtures here.

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Kerala Blasters FC2024-2025