Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, whose contract recently got extended, has assured that they will be an improved side and tougher to beat in the upcoming season of Hero Indian Super League (ISL).

The Tuskers, last month, announced the contract extension of their head coach for three more years, till 2025 much to the joy of the fans who warmed up to the Serbian in his first season with the club.

The Blasters fans have a lot of expectations from the Serbian who is keen to do even better in his second season at the club. Speaking to Onmanorama.com, he said, “The job of a coach is beyond the limits of predictability. We cannot predict the future. Making tall claims and promises is not the right thing to do. However, I can assure you that we will work on improving the team. Kerala Blasters will be a tough team to beat and players from the state will command respect from the world of football.”

Read: Ivan Vukomanovic, the Pied Piper who brought back the happy times at Kerala Blasters FC

Since joining Kerala Blasters, Vukomanovic has had a transformational effect on the club’s playing style. This is the first time Kerala Blasters have retained their head coach following a Hero ISL season. Kerala Blasters FC lost on penalties to Hyderabad FC to miss out on the Hero ISL title.

But the head coach is not bothered about that loss, he further added, “I told my boys to be proud of the hard work they put in. Winning and losing are part and parcel of the game. We had a brilliant campaign and making it to the final itself was a big achievement.

The boys have played some good football that would make every member of the Yellow Army happy and proud. We should hold our heads up and thank the fans for all the support. I have also gone through such heartbreaks during my playing days. So, I could fully understand their feelings."

On being asked what would be his message to the fans, the head coach said, “The energy around the club and the army of fans supporting Kerala Blasters gives me goosebumps. Fans are the driving force behind any club. Definitely, their passion and love for the club would help in attracting top players to Kerala Blasters. The spirit of fans will rub off on players and they will be ready to sacrifice anything for the club.“

Vukomanovic has made a big impact in his first year in the Hero ISL and didn’t just make Kerala Blasters FC a successful side but did so while playing attractive football and by using a lot of Indian youngsters in the team. The Kerala Blasters FC faithful would be hoping to see some exciting football this time also under his tenure.