Kochi: Kerala Blasters announced the squad for the ninth edition of the Indian Super League on Friday. East Bengal FC will be the opponent of Blasters in the opening match at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi at 7 pm.
Jesel Carneiro will lead the team coached by Ivan Vukomanovic. The contract extension of several players will strengthen the team. 16 players who played last season are also with the team this time. After a gap of two years, the fans coming back to the gallery gives hope to the team.
The team is hoping to win the title that was lost between the cup and the lip last time.
“We enter the ISL 2022-23 season with the dream of winning the title,” Blasters Sporting Director Karolis Skinkis said. Through contract extensions, the club has paid considerable attention to keeping key players intact in order to stabilize the squad and develop the club’s sporting plans.
Local and foreign players have also been added to the team who can provide invaluable experience and leadership to the team. Blasters also have a good combination of youth and experienced players. What was lost last season, the entire team is on the way to gain. Also, Kerala Blasters FC is very excited as our fans are coming back to the gallery,” he added.
There are six Malayalis in the 26-member team. KP Rahul, Sahal Abdus Samad, Srikuttan, Sachin Suresh, Nihal Sudheesh and Bijoy Varghese. Australian forward Apostoles Jianu is the only foreign Asian player in the team.
Kerala Blasters Team;
Goalkeepers: Prabhsukhan Gill, Karanjit Singh, Muheet Shabir Khan, Sachin Suresh.
Defence: Victor Mongil, Marko Leskovic, Hormipam Ruiva, Sandeep Singh, Bijoy Varghese, Nishu Kumar, Jesel Carneiro, Harmanjot Khabra.
Middle Row: Jackson Singh, Ivan Kaliusni, Lalthanga Khalring, Ayush Adhikari, Sourav Mandal, Adrian Luna, Sahal Abdus Samad, Bryce Miranda, Vibin Mohanan, Nihal Sudheesh, Givson Singh.
Forward Row: Dimitrios Diamantakos, K.P. Rahul, Apostolos Gianno, Bidyashagar Singh, M.S. Srikuttan