Kerala Blasters put out tough fight but end season without silverware

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What has now become the last season for head coach Ivan Vukomanovic at Kerala Blasters, was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. They began the season with high hopes with new and strong signings, but at the end of the season, nothing worked for KBFC.

Looking back, everything can be traced back to the unfortunately larger number of injuries they encountered throughout the season. It started with brand new signing Jaushua Sotirio who sustained a serious ankle injury during the pre-season camp and was ruled out for the entire season.

After getting knocked out from the Durand Cup group stage, their ISL 2023-24 season kicked off with a promising start as Kerala Blasters showcased flashes of brilliance on the field. The team's attack spearheaded by Dimitrios Diamantakos and captain Adrian Luna, provided glimpses of their potential to challenge for the league shield.

By the time the mid-season international break rolled in, Kerala Blasters were sitting at the top of the league table. However, by then, they were already battling a concerning number of injuries in the team as they even lost team captain Luna till the play-offs. During the break, they brought reinforcements, but nothing helped their Super Cup campaign.

They were knocked out of this tournament’s group stage as well. As the second half of the Indian Super League began, inconsistency plagued KBFC throughout the rest of the season, resulting in a series of frustrating setbacks and missed opportunities. Despite their valiant efforts, they struggled to maintain any winning momentum.

Amidst the challenges, there were notable highlights that showcased the team's resilience and determination. Their incredible run in the first half of the season kept them in the play-offs even though they registered seven defeats out of 10 ISL matches in the second half of the season.

They couldn't win against the formidable Odisha FC in the play-offs and thus ended their season there. Looking ahead, Kerala Blasters will undoubtedly be aiming to learn from their experiences, strengthen their squad, and mount a renewed assault on the ISL title in the upcoming season.