Kerala Blasters FC concluded their 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign on a frustrating note, drawing 0-0 against Hyderabad FC in their final match. The lackluster performance summed up a disappointing season for the Blasters, who failed to qualify for the playoffs despite high expectations.
With the ISL season now behind them, the team is looking ahead to the Super Cup 2025, set to take place in Bhubaneswar on April 21. Interim head coach T. G. Purushothaman has emphasized the importance of this tournament as a chance for redemption.
Despite making significant foreign signings and strengthening their squad, Kerala Blasters struggled throughout the season. Their failure to secure wins in crucial matches ultimately cost them a playoff spot. The team’s inability to perform under pressure frustrated their passionate fanbase, who had hoped for a stronger campaign.
Reflecting on the season, Purushothaman expressed his disappointment but urged his team to focus on the future. “Unfortunately, we did not make it to the playoffs. That is extremely disappointing for us. We did not return anything to the fans, which is also a tough situation. So, let us hopefully see what comes next,” he said.
While this campaign was frustrating for both players and management, it has provided an opportunity for introspection. Critics have pointed out the club’s lack of long-term vision, and the management is now under pressure to make meaningful changes ahead of the Super Cup and the next ISL season.
Super Cup 2025: A Fresh Opportunity
Despite the bitter end to their ISL run, Kerala Blasters see the Super Cup as a chance to regain confidence and prove their potential. Purushothaman has made it clear that the team is determined to perform well.
“That is a huge tournament for us. A very, very big tournament. We have to prepare very well, and we have to be very strong. We have to give our fans, our management, and our club a good result from that. Hopefully, we will get it,” he stated.
For the Blasters, the Super Cup is not just another competition—it’s an opportunity to restore pride. The team must learn from its ISL failures and use them as motivation to succeed. While the season exposed their weaknesses, it also highlighted the potential of several young players who could be instrumental in their Super Cup campaign.
One of the biggest concerns for Kerala Blasters now is how they will rebuild after such a difficult ISL season. The club has faced criticism for its inconsistent planning and decision-making. When asked about the way forward, Purushothaman assured that the management is assessing the situation carefully.
“Our management will consider everything accordingly, make an excellent assessment, and do the required things. I hope so,” he said.
With key decisions ahead, the club’s transfer strategy, scouting, and coaching staff appointments will all come under scrutiny. Fans are eager to see whether the Blasters can correct past mistakes and build a more competitive team for the future.
One positive takeaway from this ISL season has been the growing impact of Indian coaches. Purushothaman is among a handful of domestic head coaches making their mark in the league. He remains optimistic about the future of Indian coaching.
“It is going very well and gradually building up. A lot of quality coaches are there in our nation. If they get the chance, they will bring up flying colors, and hopefully, we will change the entire scenario. The coaching will definitely improve,” he remarked.
Despite the struggles of the season, Purushothaman’s leadership in an interim role has brought a measure of stability. While results did not go their way, his focus on developing young Indian talent has been a silver lining.
The ISL season has been a harsh learning experience for Kerala Blasters, showing the need for a more structured approach. The club must now focus on recruitment, strategy, and overall squad depth to avoid another disappointing campaign.
Purushothaman acknowledged the collective effort behind the team’s resilience this season. “Yeah, it is not only me. We have four coaching staff, and we work together for this. When the club was in a dangerous situation, we stood up. That is the job of a coach or anyone who belongs to the club: to keep up that spirit and work for the club, not for ourselves, and sacrifice anything for the club to make it better. We did it,” he said.
As the Super Cup approaches, Kerala Blasters must put the ISL disappointment behind them and focus on the task ahead. The tournament offers a fresh challenge and a chance to end the season on a high note. Fans will be hoping for better decision-making from the management and a stronger, more determined team in the months ahead.
For now, all eyes are on Bhubaneswar, where the Blasters will attempt to turn their season around and prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in Indian football.
