ISL: Mikael Stahre named new head coach of Kerala Blasters FC

Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters FC has named Mikael Stahre as their new head coach. Stahre will succeed Ivan Vukomanovic, the club announced on Thursday.

The Swede has signed a two-year contract, that will keep him at Kerala Blasters FC until 2026. Stahre will bring a lot of experience to the table and will look to get the best out of his players.

He has managed more than 400 matches with teams such as AIK (Sweden), Panionios (Greece), IFK Göteborg (Sweden), Dalian Yifang (China), BK Häcken (Sweden), San Jose Earthquakes (USA), Sarpsborg 08 (Norway), and Uthai Thani (Thailand).

Stahre’s best results include leading AIK to the Swedish Allsvenskan title (league title), Svenska Cupen (cup), and Supercupen (cup), and guiding IFK Göteborg to the Svenska Cupen (cup).

“After some really inspiring & positive discussions with the management, I’m delighted to be joining Kerala Blasters – a fantastic privilege!

“I am very proud to be able to continue my coaching career in Asia and to explore my 3rd country on this beautiful continent.

“I look forward to coming to India soon and meeting everyone. Let’s do some great things together. Go, blasters!”

Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, said: “We followed our process while recruiting the new coach. It was a long marathon of many interviews and discussions to decide who fit the role best.

“Mikael is an excellent candidate, full of hunger and motivation, who ticked all the boxes of what we were looking for in our coach. He possesses immense experience and strong leadership. I’m happy to have Mikael on board and I look forward to working together.”

Kerala Blasters FC finished the ISL 2023-24 season in fifth place with 10 wins in 22 games and a total of 33 points.