Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters FC announced on Tuesday the appointment of David Catala as their new head coach. The Spanish tactician will take charge of the Kochi-based club with immediate effect, signing a one-year contract until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Catala will join the Blasters alongside the squad as they are expected to begin their preparations for the Super Cup, which is set to start on April 21. Kerala Blasters FC finished their ISL campaign in eighth position, seven points behind the playoff spot.

A former central defender, Catala enjoyed a distinguished playing career, amassing over 500 professional appearances in Spain and Cyprus before transitioning into management. His coaching career includes tenures at AEK Larnaca and Apollon Limassol in the Cypriot First Division, NK Istra 1961 in the Croatian First Football League, and CE Sabadell in the Primera Federación. He now brings his expertise and leadership to Indian football, with a clear objective of guiding Kerala Blasters FC towards sustained success.

It’s done ✍🏻

Bienvenido David Català🤝💛#WelcomeDavid #KBFC #KeralaBlasters pic.twitter.com/iXaSXcoaIr

— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) March 25, 2025

Upon his appointment, David Catala expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating: "Joining Kerala Blasters FC is an incredible honour. This club has an unmatched passion, a city that breathes football, and a fanbase that turns every match into a spectacle. The expectations here are clear—this is a club that deserves success, and together, we will chase it with everything we have. Kaloor’s energy and the stature of this great club demand nothing less than excellence. I can’t wait to get started, and meet everyone at the club. Let’s go, Blasters!"

Kerala Blasters CEO Abhik Chatterjee emphasized the club’s belief in Catala’s leadership, stating: “To lead a club like Kerala Blasters FC, one needs to have determination, a calm head on his shoulders, and an ability to absorb pressure. With David, we believe we have ticked those boxes. We now need to work with him to provide him with the best possible tools to succeed and take our club to newer heights. I would like to wish him the very best for his journey with the Blasters.”

Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys also conveyed his confidence in the new appointment:

“David convinced me with his determination to work and ambition to achieve new highs for himself and Kerala Blasters. I trust his abilities to manage a group and keep the team together in tough moments. I think his calmness and competence are exactly what our club needs at this moment in this position. Wishing David all the best with this new challenge.”