Abin

Dec 19, 2024

ISL 2024-25: Kerala Blasters sack head coach Mikael Stahre

Kerala Blasters FC, who are languishing at the 10th place in the ongoing Indian Super League 2024-25 points table, confirmed that they are parting ways with head coach Mikael Stahre with immediate effect.

Assistant coaches Björn Wesström and Frederico Pereira Morais, too, have been shown the door.

“The club sincerely thanks Mikael, Björn, and Frederico for their contributions throughout their time with Kerala Blasters FC. We wish them nothing but success in their future endeavors,” Kerala Blasters said in a statement.

Kerala Blasters reserve team head coach and head of youth development, Tomasz Tchórz, and assistant coach T.G. Purushothaman will be in charge of the senior team till the new head coach is announced.

Kerala Blasters have only 11 points from 12 matches so far, winning only three, while losing seven games. Despite having prolific strikers like Jesus Jimenez and Noah Sadaoui, Blasters have been let down by a leaky defence and individual errors, especially from their goalkeepers. They have conceded 24 goals so far—the highest among the 13 teams in ISL 2024-25 so far.

Injuries to players such as Aiban Dohling, Aimen and Azhar, Ishan Pandita have not helped either. Others like Adrian Luna, Vibin Mohanan and Sachin Suresh have been found wanting since their return from injuries.

The 48-year-old Swedish manager was roped in for two years, as a replacement for former coach Ivan Vukomanovic, who had led the Kerala Blasters to three consecutive playoffs since taking charge in 2021. Under Vukomanovic, they recorded their highest total points, and also scored the most goals in a single season—in 2022.