Kochi: After two disappointing seasons, Kerala Blasters are determined to put up a good show in the sixth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), which kicks off here on Sunday.
Nevertheless, Blasters, who are gearing up for the new season with a revamped squad and a new coach at the helm, have the firepower to improve on the last year’s ninth-place finish and set their sights on the play-offs, if not beyond.
This time the Kochi-based franchise is banking on the tactical acumen of Eelco Schattorie, who took Northeast United FC to the play-offs for the first time in the ISL history last year. The Dutchman has brought with him Nigeria-born Frenchman Bartholomew Ogbeche, second in the ISL's goal-scorers list last season with 12 goals, to strengthen a side that had many problems up front.
Over the past three seasons, Rene Meulensteen, David James and Nelo Vingada have all tried to propel them into the play-offs without success. Last year, the yellow brigade lost seven of the 18 games they played in the league and drew nine matches, finishing ninth on the 10-team points table with 15 points. In the 2017-18 season, they had to be content with a sixth-place finish.
Blasters have not retained a single foreigner from last season. Of the seven new overseas players brought in by them, four have prior experience of playing in the ISL. The line-up of shot-stoppers too looks fresh and formidable.
A defence sans Jhingan
Though Sandesh Jhingan’s injury remains a cause for concern, Blasters have immense depth in their backline. Dutchman Gianni Zuiverloon and Brazilian Jairo Rodriguez are expected to be deployed as the central defenders.
Zuiverloon, who played an integral role at the heart of Delhi Dynamos' defence last year, will be the pillar of strength in KBFC’s backline. The 32-year-old set-piece specialist’s former clubs include Premier League side West Brom, La Liga side Mallorca, and Feyenoord, RKC Waalwijk and Heerenveen.
The 26-year-old Jairo has played for reserve sides of Goias EC and Santos in the Brazilian league. He also had a brief stint with Bulgarian side Botev Vratsa.
Keralite Abdul Hakku or former Jamshedpur FC player Raju Gaikwad will be considered for the full-back position whereas young Indians Lalruatthara and Mohammad Rakip will operate through the wings. The substitutes will be Pritam Kumar Singh and Jessel Carneiro.
Plenty of options at midfield
Blasters’ midfield, which was in utter chaos last season, is powered by several top-notch foreign recruits and domestic talents. Spaniard Mario Arques will be holding the key to the team’s midfield solidity. One of the standout performers for Jamshedpur FC last season, the 27-year-old is good at both defense and offense.
His partner in the centre of the pitch will be fellow Spaniard and former Jamshedpur FC teammate Sergio Cidoncha.
The enterprising midfield also comprises young sensation Sahal Abdul Samad and Senegalese defensive midfielder Mouhamadou Gning.
The others in the KBFC’s midfield line-up are- Darren Caldeira, Seityasen Singh, K P Rahul, Jeakson Singh, Samuel Lalmuanpuia, K Prasanth, and Halicharan Narzary.
A marauding strike force
Blasters have added more firepower to their attack by signing Nigeria-born Frenchman Ogbeche and Cameroonian Eric Messi Bouli. With several years of top-flight football under their belt, the due are expected to make a big difference for the team.
A lot will be expected from Ogbeche, who proved his credentials as a lethal striker for NorthEast United last year. The 35-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain goal-getter will be key to Blasters’ title aspirations.
Bouli has represented Cameroon in the African Nations Championship and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The 27-year-old centre-forward is expected to live up to his middle name and form a deadly partnership with Ogbeche up front.
Keralite and former Chennaiyin FC player Mohammed Rafi will be the reserve striker.
Proven shot-stoppers
Blasters have three top-class goalkeepers in T P Rehenesh, Bilal Khan, and Shibinraj Kunniyil. Rehenesh, who joined them after guarding the NorthEast United’s net for four seasons, could be the first-choice keeper.
Bilal, a native of Uttar Pradesh, is a familiar face to soccer lovers in Kerala. He was Gokulam Kerala FC’s custodian in the 2017-18 I-League season before he shifted to Real Kashmir FC last year. The 26-yerar-old Shibinjraj has played for Mohun Bagan and Gokulam Kerala.
The gaffer
Eelco Schattorie has a decent track record in the ISL. Hailing from the land of 'total football', the Dutchman is an exponent of adventurous, high-intensity and attacking football. Though his preferred formation is 4-2-3-1, it will not be surprising if he opts for the common 4-4-2 format against some of the opponents.
Strengths
A shrewd tactician at the helm
A prolific scorer in Ogbeche and a versatile and creative midfield.
Impressive bench strength
Weaknesses
Finding a replacement for a player like Jhingan is quiet impossible
Many of the players carry injuries
Pre-season had to be cancelled half way due to external factors
The foreign midfielders did not get enough time to gel with Sahal who was in Indian camp