 "File image of outgoing Kerala Blasters head coach Ivan Vukomanovic. Image credit: ISL")
Kerala Blasters mutually parted ways with head coach Ivan Vukomanovic on Friday with the Serbian having left an indelible impact on the Kochi-based club by guiding them to the playoffs in consecutive seasons.
Vukomanovic had joined the side ahead of the 2021-22 season, and would lead them to the final — their first appearance in the summit clash in six years — in his maiden season in charge. The Blasters would also achieve its highest points tally and most goals scored in a single season that year. They would eventually lose to Hyderabad FC on penalties in the final.
Kerala achieved consecutive fifth-place finishes under Vukomanovic in the subsequent seasons, bowing out in the playoffs on both occasions. The Blasters managed a top-five finish this season despite being plagued with injuries and eventually bowing out with a defeat against Odisha FC.
“Coach Ivan Vukomanovic’s influence on the team development over the past three years has been truly invaluable. Working alongside him has been both a privilege and a pleasure. I’m immensely grateful for his contributions to Kerala Blasters FC, and I wish him all the best in all his future pursuits,” Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said in a release shared by the Indian Super League.
“This has been a difficult decision for us. I have had a trusting, open & friendly relationship with Ivan from day one. While the change is difficult, we feel it is the right time to make the next step. I am very grateful to Ivan for what he has done for KBFC, the stability he brought, & the wonderful foundation he has set for the Club’s future. He is and will always remain a dear friend & an integral member of our Blasters family. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” KBFC Director Nikhil B Nimmagadda said.
Vukomanovic’s contract had initially been extended till 2025 after the Blasters’ superb run in the 2021-22 season. The Serbian, however, has decided to leave with a year left in his contract.
During Vukomanovic’s reign, Kerala Blasters won 30 out of 67 matches in the ISL while drawing 13 and losing 24. They had scored 98 goals during this time while conceding 88. The Blasters had maintained an impressive winning percentage of 44.8 per cent — the highest by any Blasters manager.