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VIDEO | Fleming blames poor execution as CSK slumps to third successive defeat  Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming lamented his side’s poor execution after their third straight defeat of the season on Sunday.CSK went down to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 43 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium while chasing a daunting 251-run target.“Today we didn’t execute, I think we were a bit passive in the last game throughout the last innings, the fast bowler in particular, it was much better in the first half today, but just the execution under pressure and against someone like Tim David who was very destructive, you have to be absolutely spot on and once we sort of fell behind and he got the rhythm and there was that no ball as well, so lets not forget that,” he told the media after the game.“We did some good things early on, created some chances, we unfortunately just couldn’t get a couple more wickets for our efforts and in the end, unfortunately, lost our shape in the back end. It’s a good wicket and I think if we were able to held our nerves and execute a bit better 210-220 would have been in our grasp,” he noted.Published on Apr 06, 2026  #VIDEO #Fleming #blames #poor #execution #CSK #slumps #successive #defeat

VIDEO | Fleming blames poor execution as CSK slumps to third successive defeat

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming lamented his side’s poor execution after their third straight defeat of the season on Sunday.

CSK went down to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 43 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium while chasing a daunting 251-run target.

“Today we didn’t execute, I think we were a bit passive in the last game throughout the last innings, the fast bowler in particular, it was much better in the first half today, but just the execution under pressure and against someone like Tim David who was very destructive, you have to be absolutely spot on and once we sort of fell behind and he got the rhythm and there was that no ball as well, so lets not forget that,” he told the media after the game.

“We did some good things early on, created some chances, we unfortunately just couldn’t get a couple more wickets for our efforts and in the end, unfortunately, lost our shape in the back end. It’s a good wicket and I think if we were able to held our nerves and execute a bit better 210-220 would have been in our grasp,” he noted.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

#VIDEO #Fleming #blames #poor #execution #CSK #slumps #successive #defeat

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming lamented his side’s poor execution after their third straight defeat of the season on Sunday.

CSK went down to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 43 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium while chasing a daunting 251-run target.

“Today we didn’t execute, I think we were a bit passive in the last game throughout the last innings, the fast bowler in particular, it was much better in the first half today, but just the execution under pressure and against someone like Tim David who was very destructive, you have to be absolutely spot on and once we sort of fell behind and he got the rhythm and there was that no ball as well, so lets not forget that,” he told the media after the game.

“We did some good things early on, created some chances, we unfortunately just couldn’t get a couple more wickets for our efforts and in the end, unfortunately, lost our shape in the back end. It’s a good wicket and I think if we were able to held our nerves and execute a bit better 210-220 would have been in our grasp,” he noted.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

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#VIDEO #Fleming #blames #poor #execution #CSK #slumps #successive #defeat

Kerala Blasters’ 0-2 loss against Sporting Club Delhi on Sunday meant its winless streak continued midway into the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season.

The other side yet to win a match this season is Mohammedan SC, which has fielded an all-Indian team, compared to the Blasters, who have five overseas players in their ranks.

Still, a draw against East Bengal saw KBFC earn its only point – one that separates it from the relegation-threatened Kolkata club.

It was not long ago that the club was consistently playing in the knockouts and attracting an average of over 25,000 spectators to its hallowed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. That number has not hit the five-digit mark this season.

The fall from grace might look sudden, but it has been coming for some time.

Where it began

Barring the infamous walkout, KBFC’s best era came under Ivan Vukomanovic, who took the club to the playoff stage in three consecutive seasons (including one final) from 2021 to 2024.

The success caught the eye of rival clubs, who had legacy and financial power to attract KBFC’s star players at the time.

Kerala Blasters — Once a title contender under Ivan Vukomanovic now struggles for relevance in ISL  Kerala Blasters’ 0-2 loss against Sporting Club Delhi on Sunday meant its winless streak continued midway into the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season.The other side yet to win a match this season is Mohammedan SC, which has fielded an all-Indian team, compared to the Blasters, who have five overseas players in their ranks.Still, a draw against East Bengal saw KBFC earn its only point – one that separates it from the relegation-threatened Kolkata club.It was not long ago that the club was consistently playing in the knockouts and attracting an average of over 25,000 spectators to its hallowed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. That number has not hit the five-digit mark this season.The fall from grace might look sudden, but it has been coming for some time.Where it beganBarring the infamous walkout, KBFC’s best era came under Ivan Vukomanovic, who took the club to the playoff stage in three consecutive seasons (including one final) from 2021 to 2024.The success caught the eye of rival clubs, who had legacy and financial power to attract KBFC’s star players at the time. Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                            

                            Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                                                    Sahal Abdul Samad left for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Dimitris Diamantakos to East Bengal, and Jorge Pereyra Díaz packed his bags for Mumbai City FC among major exits since the 2021-22 season.Vukomanovic’s exit in 2024 was used as an opportunity to shake up the squad further, and the lack of consistency prompted protests, especially from ‘Manjapada’, the club’s official fan club.The attendance, as a result, kept dwindling, dragging the club into a downward spiral financially.The controllablesThe new arrivals could hardly do much to douse the fire. The immediate need to catch up to the bigger clubs left no time for the newer players and managers to establish a structure.Vukomanovic’s replacement, Mikael Stahre, lasted 16 games. His full-time successor, David Catala, 11. Together, they managed eight wins, fewer than what Vukomanovic had in his first season alone.Last season, the team finished eighth, conceded 37 goals and recorded just five home wins in the league, the worst returns since the 2021-22 season.Under Catala, the team crashed out of consecutive editions of the AIFF Super Cup, remained winless in the current ISL season (including four straight home losses) before he ‘stepped down by mutual consent’.The Club can confirm that David Catala has stepped down from his role at the club by mutual consent.We thank David for his professionalism and contribution during his time here.The Club also extends its gratitude to Goalkeeping Coach Alex Ortiz and Strength & Conditioning… pic.twitter.com/MEc6LHMzas— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) March 27, 2026The uncontrollablesJust like managers, the constant changes in the squad left the team without a fixed core. However, the point of blame must not be directed only at the club management.The delayed start to the latest season due to issues in the Master Rights Agreement forced the club to temporarily suspend operations, which in turn left the players’ careers up in the air. The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                            

                            The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                                                    Foreigners Koldo Obieta, Juan Rodriguez, and Tiago Alves, who joined ahead of this season, left amid uncertainty around the league. Meanwhile, ISL regulars Noah Sadaoui and Adrian Luna opted not to sit around for a solution, choosing to go on season-long loans.On the contrary, clubs like Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City managed to largely retain their core, a reason for their dominance in the top half of the table.What next?KBFC’s hasty foreign signings as stopgap solutions underline the underplanning, following the league’s uncertainty.For example, defender Oumar Bah, who was signed in January, “mutually parted ways” with the club after featuring in the first three league games and was replaced by Fallou Ndiaye.With Catala not surviving the recent international break, English manager Ashley Westwood has now been given the responsibility to try to avoid disaster, i.e. relegation. And though he is well-versed in Indian and Asian football, he got a taste of what’s to come when his side produced a lacklustre showing against debutant SCD.Blasters’ fate — around relegation — will be decided in a matter of months, and irrespective of the outcome, the bigger question remains: will the club pay heed to the warning signs before it’s too late?Published on Apr 06, 2026  #Kerala #Blasters #title #contender #Ivan #Vukomanovic #struggles #relevance #ISL

Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

lightbox-info

Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

Sahal Abdul Samad left for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Dimitris Diamantakos to East Bengal, and Jorge Pereyra Díaz packed his bags for Mumbai City FC among major exits since the 2021-22 season.

Vukomanovic’s exit in 2024 was used as an opportunity to shake up the squad further, and the lack of consistency prompted protests, especially from ‘Manjapada’, the club’s official fan club.

The attendance, as a result, kept dwindling, dragging the club into a downward spiral financially.

The controllables

The new arrivals could hardly do much to douse the fire. The immediate need to catch up to the bigger clubs left no time for the newer players and managers to establish a structure.

Vukomanovic’s replacement, Mikael Stahre, lasted 16 games. His full-time successor, David Catala, 11. Together, they managed eight wins, fewer than what Vukomanovic had in his first season alone.

Last season, the team finished eighth, conceded 37 goals and recorded just five home wins in the league, the worst returns since the 2021-22 season.

Under Catala, the team crashed out of consecutive editions of the AIFF Super Cup, remained winless in the current ISL season (including four straight home losses) before he ‘stepped down by mutual consent’.

The uncontrollables

Just like managers, the constant changes in the squad left the team without a fixed core. However, the point of blame must not be directed only at the club management.

The delayed start to the latest season due to issues in the Master Rights Agreement forced the club to temporarily suspend operations, which in turn left the players’ careers up in the air.

The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan.

The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

lightbox-info

The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

Foreigners Koldo Obieta, Juan Rodriguez, and Tiago Alves, who joined ahead of this season, left amid uncertainty around the league. Meanwhile, ISL regulars Noah Sadaoui and Adrian Luna opted not to sit around for a solution, choosing to go on season-long loans.

On the contrary, clubs like Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City managed to largely retain their core, a reason for their dominance in the top half of the table.

What next?

KBFC’s hasty foreign signings as stopgap solutions underline the underplanning, following the league’s uncertainty.

For example, defender Oumar Bah, who was signed in January, “mutually parted ways” with the club after featuring in the first three league games and was replaced by Fallou Ndiaye.

With Catala not surviving the recent international break, English manager Ashley Westwood has now been given the responsibility to try to avoid disaster, i.e. relegation. And though he is well-versed in Indian and Asian football, he got a taste of what’s to come when his side produced a lacklustre showing against debutant SCD.

Blasters’ fate — around relegation — will be decided in a matter of months, and irrespective of the outcome, the bigger question remains: will the club pay heed to the warning signs before it’s too late?

Published on Apr 06, 2026

#Kerala #Blasters #title #contender #Ivan #Vukomanovic #struggles #relevance #ISL">Kerala Blasters — Once a title contender under Ivan Vukomanovic now struggles for relevance in ISL  Kerala Blasters’ 0-2 loss against Sporting Club Delhi on Sunday meant its winless streak continued midway into the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season.The other side yet to win a match this season is Mohammedan SC, which has fielded an all-Indian team, compared to the Blasters, who have five overseas players in their ranks.Still, a draw against East Bengal saw KBFC earn its only point – one that separates it from the relegation-threatened Kolkata club.It was not long ago that the club was consistently playing in the knockouts and attracting an average of over 25,000 spectators to its hallowed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. That number has not hit the five-digit mark this season.The fall from grace might look sudden, but it has been coming for some time.Where it beganBarring the infamous walkout, KBFC’s best era came under Ivan Vukomanovic, who took the club to the playoff stage in three consecutive seasons (including one final) from 2021 to 2024.The success caught the eye of rival clubs, who had legacy and financial power to attract KBFC’s star players at the time. Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                            

                            Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                                                    Sahal Abdul Samad left for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Dimitris Diamantakos to East Bengal, and Jorge Pereyra Díaz packed his bags for Mumbai City FC among major exits since the 2021-22 season.Vukomanovic’s exit in 2024 was used as an opportunity to shake up the squad further, and the lack of consistency prompted protests, especially from ‘Manjapada’, the club’s official fan club.The attendance, as a result, kept dwindling, dragging the club into a downward spiral financially.The controllablesThe new arrivals could hardly do much to douse the fire. The immediate need to catch up to the bigger clubs left no time for the newer players and managers to establish a structure.Vukomanovic’s replacement, Mikael Stahre, lasted 16 games. His full-time successor, David Catala, 11. Together, they managed eight wins, fewer than what Vukomanovic had in his first season alone.Last season, the team finished eighth, conceded 37 goals and recorded just five home wins in the league, the worst returns since the 2021-22 season.Under Catala, the team crashed out of consecutive editions of the AIFF Super Cup, remained winless in the current ISL season (including four straight home losses) before he ‘stepped down by mutual consent’.The Club can confirm that David Catala has stepped down from his role at the club by mutual consent.We thank David for his professionalism and contribution during his time here.The Club also extends its gratitude to Goalkeeping Coach Alex Ortiz and Strength & Conditioning… pic.twitter.com/MEc6LHMzas— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) March 27, 2026The uncontrollablesJust like managers, the constant changes in the squad left the team without a fixed core. However, the point of blame must not be directed only at the club management.The delayed start to the latest season due to issues in the Master Rights Agreement forced the club to temporarily suspend operations, which in turn left the players’ careers up in the air. The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                            

                            The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                                                    Foreigners Koldo Obieta, Juan Rodriguez, and Tiago Alves, who joined ahead of this season, left amid uncertainty around the league. Meanwhile, ISL regulars Noah Sadaoui and Adrian Luna opted not to sit around for a solution, choosing to go on season-long loans.On the contrary, clubs like Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City managed to largely retain their core, a reason for their dominance in the top half of the table.What next?KBFC’s hasty foreign signings as stopgap solutions underline the underplanning, following the league’s uncertainty.For example, defender Oumar Bah, who was signed in January, “mutually parted ways” with the club after featuring in the first three league games and was replaced by Fallou Ndiaye.With Catala not surviving the recent international break, English manager Ashley Westwood has now been given the responsibility to try to avoid disaster, i.e. relegation. And though he is well-versed in Indian and Asian football, he got a taste of what’s to come when his side produced a lacklustre showing against debutant SCD.Blasters’ fate — around relegation — will be decided in a matter of months, and irrespective of the outcome, the bigger question remains: will the club pay heed to the warning signs before it’s too late?Published on Apr 06, 2026  #Kerala #Blasters #title #contender #Ivan #Vukomanovic #struggles #relevance #ISL

The uncontrollables

Just like managers, the constant changes in the squad left the team without a fixed core. However, the point of blame must not be directed only at the club management.

The delayed start to the latest season due to issues in the Master Rights Agreement forced the club to temporarily suspend operations, which in turn left the players’ careers up in the air.

The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan.

The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

lightbox-info

The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

Foreigners Koldo Obieta, Juan Rodriguez, and Tiago Alves, who joined ahead of this season, left amid uncertainty around the league. Meanwhile, ISL regulars Noah Sadaoui and Adrian Luna opted not to sit around for a solution, choosing to go on season-long loans.

On the contrary, clubs like Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City managed to largely retain their core, a reason for their dominance in the top half of the table.

What next?

KBFC’s hasty foreign signings as stopgap solutions underline the underplanning, following the league’s uncertainty.

For example, defender Oumar Bah, who was signed in January, “mutually parted ways” with the club after featuring in the first three league games and was replaced by Fallou Ndiaye.

With Catala not surviving the recent international break, English manager Ashley Westwood has now been given the responsibility to try to avoid disaster, i.e. relegation. And though he is well-versed in Indian and Asian football, he got a taste of what’s to come when his side produced a lacklustre showing against debutant SCD.

Blasters’ fate — around relegation — will be decided in a matter of months, and irrespective of the outcome, the bigger question remains: will the club pay heed to the warning signs before it’s too late?

Published on Apr 06, 2026

#Kerala #Blasters #title #contender #Ivan #Vukomanovic #struggles #relevance #ISL">Kerala Blasters — Once a title contender under Ivan Vukomanovic now struggles for relevance in ISL

Kerala Blasters’ 0-2 loss against Sporting Club Delhi on Sunday meant its winless streak continued midway into the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season.

The other side yet to win a match this season is Mohammedan SC, which has fielded an all-Indian team, compared to the Blasters, who have five overseas players in their ranks.

Still, a draw against East Bengal saw KBFC earn its only point – one that separates it from the relegation-threatened Kolkata club.

It was not long ago that the club was consistently playing in the knockouts and attracting an average of over 25,000 spectators to its hallowed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. That number has not hit the five-digit mark this season.

The fall from grace might look sudden, but it has been coming for some time.

Where it began

Barring the infamous walkout, KBFC’s best era came under Ivan Vukomanovic, who took the club to the playoff stage in three consecutive seasons (including one final) from 2021 to 2024.

The success caught the eye of rival clubs, who had legacy and financial power to attract KBFC’s star players at the time.

Kerala Blasters — Once a title contender under Ivan Vukomanovic now struggles for relevance in ISL  Kerala Blasters’ 0-2 loss against Sporting Club Delhi on Sunday meant its winless streak continued midway into the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season.The other side yet to win a match this season is Mohammedan SC, which has fielded an all-Indian team, compared to the Blasters, who have five overseas players in their ranks.Still, a draw against East Bengal saw KBFC earn its only point – one that separates it from the relegation-threatened Kolkata club.It was not long ago that the club was consistently playing in the knockouts and attracting an average of over 25,000 spectators to its hallowed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. That number has not hit the five-digit mark this season.The fall from grace might look sudden, but it has been coming for some time.Where it beganBarring the infamous walkout, KBFC’s best era came under Ivan Vukomanovic, who took the club to the playoff stage in three consecutive seasons (including one final) from 2021 to 2024.The success caught the eye of rival clubs, who had legacy and financial power to attract KBFC’s star players at the time. Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                            

                            Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                                                    Sahal Abdul Samad left for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Dimitris Diamantakos to East Bengal, and Jorge Pereyra Díaz packed his bags for Mumbai City FC among major exits since the 2021-22 season.Vukomanovic’s exit in 2024 was used as an opportunity to shake up the squad further, and the lack of consistency prompted protests, especially from ‘Manjapada’, the club’s official fan club.The attendance, as a result, kept dwindling, dragging the club into a downward spiral financially.The controllablesThe new arrivals could hardly do much to douse the fire. The immediate need to catch up to the bigger clubs left no time for the newer players and managers to establish a structure.Vukomanovic’s replacement, Mikael Stahre, lasted 16 games. His full-time successor, David Catala, 11. Together, they managed eight wins, fewer than what Vukomanovic had in his first season alone.Last season, the team finished eighth, conceded 37 goals and recorded just five home wins in the league, the worst returns since the 2021-22 season.Under Catala, the team crashed out of consecutive editions of the AIFF Super Cup, remained winless in the current ISL season (including four straight home losses) before he ‘stepped down by mutual consent’.The Club can confirm that David Catala has stepped down from his role at the club by mutual consent.We thank David for his professionalism and contribution during his time here.The Club also extends its gratitude to Goalkeeping Coach Alex Ortiz and Strength & Conditioning… pic.twitter.com/MEc6LHMzas— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) March 27, 2026The uncontrollablesJust like managers, the constant changes in the squad left the team without a fixed core. However, the point of blame must not be directed only at the club management.The delayed start to the latest season due to issues in the Master Rights Agreement forced the club to temporarily suspend operations, which in turn left the players’ careers up in the air. The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                            

                            The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                ISL Media
                                                    Foreigners Koldo Obieta, Juan Rodriguez, and Tiago Alves, who joined ahead of this season, left amid uncertainty around the league. Meanwhile, ISL regulars Noah Sadaoui and Adrian Luna opted not to sit around for a solution, choosing to go on season-long loans.On the contrary, clubs like Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City managed to largely retain their core, a reason for their dominance in the top half of the table.What next?KBFC’s hasty foreign signings as stopgap solutions underline the underplanning, following the league’s uncertainty.For example, defender Oumar Bah, who was signed in January, “mutually parted ways” with the club after featuring in the first three league games and was replaced by Fallou Ndiaye.With Catala not surviving the recent international break, English manager Ashley Westwood has now been given the responsibility to try to avoid disaster, i.e. relegation. And though he is well-versed in Indian and Asian football, he got a taste of what’s to come when his side produced a lacklustre showing against debutant SCD.Blasters’ fate — around relegation — will be decided in a matter of months, and irrespective of the outcome, the bigger question remains: will the club pay heed to the warning signs before it’s too late?Published on Apr 06, 2026  #Kerala #Blasters #title #contender #Ivan #Vukomanovic #struggles #relevance #ISL

Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

lightbox-info

Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, Kerala Blasters reached the ISL playoffs thrice, also entering the final in the 2021-22 season. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

Sahal Abdul Samad left for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Dimitris Diamantakos to East Bengal, and Jorge Pereyra Díaz packed his bags for Mumbai City FC among major exits since the 2021-22 season.

Vukomanovic’s exit in 2024 was used as an opportunity to shake up the squad further, and the lack of consistency prompted protests, especially from ‘Manjapada’, the club’s official fan club.

The attendance, as a result, kept dwindling, dragging the club into a downward spiral financially.

The controllables

The new arrivals could hardly do much to douse the fire. The immediate need to catch up to the bigger clubs left no time for the newer players and managers to establish a structure.

Vukomanovic’s replacement, Mikael Stahre, lasted 16 games. His full-time successor, David Catala, 11. Together, they managed eight wins, fewer than what Vukomanovic had in his first season alone.

Last season, the team finished eighth, conceded 37 goals and recorded just five home wins in the league, the worst returns since the 2021-22 season.

Under Catala, the team crashed out of consecutive editions of the AIFF Super Cup, remained winless in the current ISL season (including four straight home losses) before he ‘stepped down by mutual consent’.

The uncontrollables

Just like managers, the constant changes in the squad left the team without a fixed core. However, the point of blame must not be directed only at the club management.

The delayed start to the latest season due to issues in the Master Rights Agreement forced the club to temporarily suspend operations, which in turn left the players’ careers up in the air.

The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan.

The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

lightbox-info

The uncertainty around the Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna leave on a season-long loan. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

Foreigners Koldo Obieta, Juan Rodriguez, and Tiago Alves, who joined ahead of this season, left amid uncertainty around the league. Meanwhile, ISL regulars Noah Sadaoui and Adrian Luna opted not to sit around for a solution, choosing to go on season-long loans.

On the contrary, clubs like Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City managed to largely retain their core, a reason for their dominance in the top half of the table.

What next?

KBFC’s hasty foreign signings as stopgap solutions underline the underplanning, following the league’s uncertainty.

For example, defender Oumar Bah, who was signed in January, “mutually parted ways” with the club after featuring in the first three league games and was replaced by Fallou Ndiaye.

With Catala not surviving the recent international break, English manager Ashley Westwood has now been given the responsibility to try to avoid disaster, i.e. relegation. And though he is well-versed in Indian and Asian football, he got a taste of what’s to come when his side produced a lacklustre showing against debutant SCD.

Blasters’ fate — around relegation — will be decided in a matter of months, and irrespective of the outcome, the bigger question remains: will the club pay heed to the warning signs before it’s too late?

Published on Apr 06, 2026

#Kerala #Blasters #title #contender #Ivan #Vukomanovic #struggles #relevance #ISL
Deadspin | Eliminated Rangers rout Caps for 2nd straight win over playoff contender  Apr 5, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Adam Sykora (38) celebrates his goal with center Noah Laba (42) during the second period against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images   Will Cuylle scored twice in a span of 2:40 during a five-goal second period on the way to his first career hat trick and the host New York Rangers prevented the Washington Capitals from gaining ground in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race with an 8-1 rout on Sunday night.  Washington (39-30-9, 87 points) fell three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second and final wild-card spot. The Capitals also trail the New York Islanders by two points and are one point behind the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets. Three of those four teams have a game in hand on Washington.  Cuylle gave the Rangers a 3-1 lead 5:53 into the second when he cut to the edge of the crease and used his stick for a redirection of a pass by Braden Schneider into the open net. He scored again by sending a shot from the left circle by Charlie Lindgren immediately upon exiting the penalty box.  Cuylle finished off the hat trick in the final minute of the contest on a shot from the slot.  J.T. Miller used his skate at the left edge of the crease to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead during a power play 3:07 into the second after Mika Zibanejad’s shot banked off Lindgren’s pad.  Rookie Adam Sykora and Adam Fox also scored during the big period as the Rangers (33-36-9, 75 points) won for the fifth time in six games following a six-game losing streak (0-5-1).    It marked the second straight day New York earned a lopsided win over a playoff contender after Saturday’s 4-1 win over Detroit.  Lindgren made 35 saves in Washington’s 1-0 win in New York on Oct. 12 but struggled immensely in his first game since March 12 at Buffalo. He recorded 24 saves, but tied a career worst by allowing eight goals for the second time in his career.  Connor McMichael scored Washington’s only goal on a breakaway at 13:45 of the first period to tie the game at 1. Washington allowed seven-plus goals against the Rangers for the second time this season and conceded at least seven goals for the second time in three games.  Connor Sheary scored on a rebound from in front of the net 23 seconds into the contest, and Vincent Trocheck tallied 2:27 into the third to make it 7-1.  New York goalie Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Eliminated #Rangers #rout #Caps #2nd #straight #win #playoff #contenderApr 5, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Adam Sykora (38) celebrates his goal with center Noah Laba (42) during the second period against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Will Cuylle scored twice in a span of 2:40 during a five-goal second period on the way to his first career hat trick and the host New York Rangers prevented the Washington Capitals from gaining ground in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race with an 8-1 rout on Sunday night.

Washington (39-30-9, 87 points) fell three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second and final wild-card spot. The Capitals also trail the New York Islanders by two points and are one point behind the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets. Three of those four teams have a game in hand on Washington.

Cuylle gave the Rangers a 3-1 lead 5:53 into the second when he cut to the edge of the crease and used his stick for a redirection of a pass by Braden Schneider into the open net. He scored again by sending a shot from the left circle by Charlie Lindgren immediately upon exiting the penalty box.

Cuylle finished off the hat trick in the final minute of the contest on a shot from the slot.

J.T. Miller used his skate at the left edge of the crease to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead during a power play 3:07 into the second after Mika Zibanejad’s shot banked off Lindgren’s pad.


Rookie Adam Sykora and Adam Fox also scored during the big period as the Rangers (33-36-9, 75 points) won for the fifth time in six games following a six-game losing streak (0-5-1).

It marked the second straight day New York earned a lopsided win over a playoff contender after Saturday’s 4-1 win over Detroit.

Lindgren made 35 saves in Washington’s 1-0 win in New York on Oct. 12 but struggled immensely in his first game since March 12 at Buffalo. He recorded 24 saves, but tied a career worst by allowing eight goals for the second time in his career.

Connor McMichael scored Washington’s only goal on a breakaway at 13:45 of the first period to tie the game at 1. Washington allowed seven-plus goals against the Rangers for the second time this season and conceded at least seven goals for the second time in three games.

Connor Sheary scored on a rebound from in front of the net 23 seconds into the contest, and Vincent Trocheck tallied 2:27 into the third to make it 7-1.

New York goalie Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Eliminated #Rangers #rout #Caps #2nd #straight #win #playoff #contender">Deadspin | Eliminated Rangers rout Caps for 2nd straight win over playoff contender  Apr 5, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Adam Sykora (38) celebrates his goal with center Noah Laba (42) during the second period against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images   Will Cuylle scored twice in a span of 2:40 during a five-goal second period on the way to his first career hat trick and the host New York Rangers prevented the Washington Capitals from gaining ground in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race with an 8-1 rout on Sunday night.  Washington (39-30-9, 87 points) fell three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second and final wild-card spot. The Capitals also trail the New York Islanders by two points and are one point behind the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets. Three of those four teams have a game in hand on Washington.  Cuylle gave the Rangers a 3-1 lead 5:53 into the second when he cut to the edge of the crease and used his stick for a redirection of a pass by Braden Schneider into the open net. He scored again by sending a shot from the left circle by Charlie Lindgren immediately upon exiting the penalty box.  Cuylle finished off the hat trick in the final minute of the contest on a shot from the slot.  J.T. Miller used his skate at the left edge of the crease to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead during a power play 3:07 into the second after Mika Zibanejad’s shot banked off Lindgren’s pad.  Rookie Adam Sykora and Adam Fox also scored during the big period as the Rangers (33-36-9, 75 points) won for the fifth time in six games following a six-game losing streak (0-5-1).    It marked the second straight day New York earned a lopsided win over a playoff contender after Saturday’s 4-1 win over Detroit.  Lindgren made 35 saves in Washington’s 1-0 win in New York on Oct. 12 but struggled immensely in his first game since March 12 at Buffalo. He recorded 24 saves, but tied a career worst by allowing eight goals for the second time in his career.  Connor McMichael scored Washington’s only goal on a breakaway at 13:45 of the first period to tie the game at 1. Washington allowed seven-plus goals against the Rangers for the second time this season and conceded at least seven goals for the second time in three games.  Connor Sheary scored on a rebound from in front of the net 23 seconds into the contest, and Vincent Trocheck tallied 2:27 into the third to make it 7-1.  New York goalie Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Eliminated #Rangers #rout #Caps #2nd #straight #win #playoff #contender

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