Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters FC have announced the mutual departure of head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, the club announced on Friday.
Having joined the Blasters ahead of the 2021-22 season, the Serbian took the side to new heights, and as he leaves, he has now left an indelible mark on the club. Under his stewardship, Kerala Blasters FC qualified for the ISL playoffs consecutively for three seasons, including an ISL runners-up finish in his first season.
This was their first qualification for the ISL finals since 2016, which they eventually lost to Hyderabad FC in the penalty shootout. The team achieved its highest points tally and most goals scored in a single season during the 2021-22 campaign.
Acknowledging his contributions in his debut season, the club extended Vukomanovic’s contract until 2025. During the 2022-23 season, the Blasters reached the playoffs consecutively for the first time, before bowing out to Bengaluru FC in the Knockouts.
In the following 2023-24 season, which was plagued by injuries for the Blasters, Vukomanovic led them to a commendable fifth-place finish before they bowed out to Odisha FC in the knockout stages.
Throughout Vukomanovic’s tenure at Kerala Blasters FC, the team played 67 matches in the ISL, clinching victory in 30, drawing 13, and suffering 24 defeats. They netted a total of 98 goals while conceding 88.
Under his management, the Blasters maintained an impressive winning percentage of 44.8%, the highest of any KBFC manager, along with the league’s highest points per game (1.58) during the league stage.
Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys, “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.”
Club Director Nikhil B Nimmagadda, “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.”
