Want to make it thirdtime lucky
THEME FOR A DREAM Blasters have entered the ISL final twice in three years but were beaten by ATK both times
Kerala Blasters FC have one of the most loyal fanbase among all Indian Super League (ISL) teams, averaging over a very high 55,000 fans per game during the 2015-16 season.
Kochi is a football-mad city, and the passion of the fans clearly shines through every time the Kerala Blasters take to the field at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Despite that, Kerala Blasters have yet to win an ISL title, finishing twice as runners-up. Both times they were beaten by ATK, once in regulation time and once on penalties.
The current side, which remains a strong one thanks to some smart signings during the player draft and outside of it, will look to overcome the hurdle of always being the bridesmaid but never the bride.
The Kerala Blasters have always been one of the strongest sides in the tournament. They have failed to make the knockout stages only once in 2015 and will look to build on their strengths and finally give the people of Kochi what they so desire: a maiden ISL title. Their new Dutch coach also promised that his team will play a very entertaining brand of football and a maiden championship can only add to fan interest. Second place, lost 1-0 to ATK in the final
NEW DELHI:
The Bulgarian is past his prime, but with his stints at Spurs,
Man United and Fulham where he played under Renee Meulensteen, he brings in a lot of experience. Bulgaria’s all-time leading goalscorer, he is a joy to watch on his day and could well pose a threat to defences even at 36. The Scottish-born Canadian striker represented Blasters in the inaugural season and then spent two seasons at ATK, even winning the title with them in 2016. The 33-year old is a hard worker who loves to score goals and is even the league’s all-time leading goalscorer with 23 goals. Blasters fans will be delighted to see him return to the fold and he could well be the difference maker for the side. Foreign players The 24-year old defender is a fan favourite, having won the club’s Emerging Player of the Year award during the inaugural ISL. He’s also the mainstay in the Indian team over the past three years and even captained the side during the recent tri-nation meet. Defensively solid and good with the ball, India coach Stephen Constantine has touted Jhingan as a future national team captain. 02 vs FC Pune City, Pune 09 vs ATK, Kolkata 17 23 01 vs NorthEast United, Guwahati vs Chennaiyin FC, Kochi vs Bengaluru FC, Bangalore