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Kerala Blasters FC have announced their decision to part ways with head coach Ivan Vukomanovic following their elimination from the playoffs of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 campaign.
Despite a strong start to the season that saw the Blasters reach the summit at the halfway mark, their performance has steadily declined since the turn of the year. With eight defeats in 10 games, including the playoff tie, what began as a promising season with hopes of securing a title has ended in massive disappointment.
While Ivan Vukomanovic had his fair share of issues in the final months of the season, including several injuries to his squad, the ultimate measure of success is results, and he paid the price for failing to secure a top-four spot.
However, the decision to part ways has sparked debate among supporters, with questions raised about whether it was the right decision considering his contributions to the club. Here are three arguments why letting the Serbian go may have been a mistake.
#1 Kerala Blasters showed improvement this season
Results may indicate that the Blasters fell short of expectations, but their performances showed improvement compared to last season. With only two defeats in their opening 12 games and notable victories against Odisha FC, Mumbai City FC, and Mohun Bagan SG, their ambitions to compete for the ISL Shield were clear.
In addition to their results, there was a newfound optimism surrounding the club and its supporters, especially following Vukomanovic’s infamous decision to walk away from the game during last year’s playoff against BFC.
Adrian Luna showcased his best form, Dimitrios Diamantakos performed exceptionally, and local talent Mohammad Aimen effectively filled the void left by Sahal Abdul Samad. They were arguably overachieving and doing it consistently.
However, injuries forced the Serbian coach to alter his system and lineup throughout the Super Cup and the latter half of the season. It ultimately disrupted the stability he had established before the break.
But even during the playoff tie against Odisha FC, they largely outperformed a star-studded team despite missing both Luna and Diamantakos. These performances, coupled with the players’ willingness to give their all for Vukomanovic, underscored the trust and belief they had in him despite the recent results.
#2 Losing continuity
Kerala Blasters have experienced a remarkable transformation under Vukomanovic. Before his arrival, the club finished 10th and had not reached the top six since 2018. Vukomanovic provided a cultural shift and made an immediate impact in his first season.
The Blasters quickly became a well-organized unit, playing an attacking brand of football that produced results as well. They secured a fourth-place finish and progressed to the ISL final, signaling a promising future.
Although the following two seasons saw the Blasters slightly regress from this high standard, they remained competitive and consistently fought for top honors, a notable achievement in itself.
Off the field, the Manjappada have made their head coach one of their own. His strong connection with the fanbase and the city suggests that extending his contract would have been a logical step to provide continuity and further build the team under his guidance.
#3 Ability to nurture young talents
The Blasters have built a reputation for nurturing young talents, a trend that has only improved under Vukomanovic’s tenure.
Following the departures of Prabhsukhan Gill and Sahal Abdul Samad, the club opted to focus on their academy rather than purchasing established stars. Vukomanovic has given opportunities to the likes of Sachin Suresh, Vibin Mohanan, and Mohammed Aimen.
These players have rewarded their coach’s faith with consistent performances throughout the season. Furthermore, there is a growing number of local talents making their mark on the first team, including Mohammed Azhar and Nihal Sudeesh.
Under Vukomanovic’s guidance, the club has become a hotbed for younger players, with players like Jeakson Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Rahul KP, and Sandeep Singh also emerging as key contributors to the team.
The Serbian coach has played a pivotal role in their development, not only improving their quality but also providing them with opportunities in bigger games. This level of trust and support would likely be difficult to replicate under a new head coach, who will have an eye on the results.
