ISL 2018-19: 4 reasons why Kerala Blasters will be unstoppable this season

Two-time runners-up, Kerala Blasters have always begun an ISL season as pre-tournament favourites. Unfortunately, the results haven't been as expected for the Kochi based franchise who have agonizingly fallen short of the title twice in three seasons.

This season though, they will be missing the services of two of their stars - Iain Hume (who moved to FC Pune City) and most importantly their former iconic co-owner Sachin Tendulkar.

But that doesn't deter the fans whose love for the club comes above everything. With a new Indian football season beckoning, fans of the Yellow army are super excited and are expecting a lot from their team this season. Kerala Blasters indeed look stronger than ever this season to claim their first ISL crown.

Let us now find out why the Kerala Blasters look set to be unstoppable this season:

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#4 A full-fledged season under their very own David James

David James was Kerala Blasters' player-manager at the inaugural ISL edition in 2014, where he guided them to a runners-up finish behind Atletico de Kolkata (now, ATK). The former Liverpool and Manchester City shot-stopper, who made 12 appearances for his side in the first season returned to Indian football in January 2018.

James replaced the Dutchman, Rene Meulensteen who managed the first seven games for Blasters in the 2017-18 ISL. Unfortunately, the former Fulham and Manchester United first team coach managed just one win out of those seven games with four games ending in a draw and losing two. This prompted the Blasters management to appoint their former player-manager David James at the helm for the remainder of the fourth season.

Replacing Meulensteen from January 3, 2018, James led Kerala to five wins, three draws and three defeats in the next eleven league games. Though Kerala failed to get past the league stages (finished sixth among ten teams with 25 points), the appointment of James as their manager gave the Blasters something to cheer about.

Having played against some of the players like Sandesh Jhingan and Iain Hume, James instilled belief and passion in his squad. With the less time he got (almost halfway into the last season), he did a good job in spite of missing out on the knockout berth.

A cool and charismatic figure, James took full control of the signings made by Blasters this season and has done quite a remarkable job. With plenty of good signings and a new season beckoning, James is all set to open up a new chapter for the Kerala Blasters.

Having been with the squad for nine months now (recruiting talents and guiding them in the pre-season friendlies), the former shot-stopper will be determined to make the Men in Yellow 2018-19 ISL champions.

#3 A strong, balanced squad

In spite of boasting of some of the great names of world football like Wes Brown and Dimitar Berbatov, the Blasters failed to create an impact last season. Though fan-favourite Iain Hume and Mark Sifneos scored five and fours goals respectively, it was not enough to propel the Kerala team to the next round.

Lack of firepower in front of the goal was one of the major setbacks for the Kochi franchise in 2017-18 ISL season as they managed just 20 goals in 18 league matches. The forwards lacked pace and age was certainly the major issue.

This season though, they have built a strong and balanced squad compared to the previous editions. David James has brought in an array of Indian talents like Holicharan Narzary, Anas Edathodika, Zakeer Mundampara, Abdul Hakku and Dheeraj Singh.

The foreign recruits have been equally exciting- centre-forwards Matej Poplatnik and Slavisa Stojanovic, centre back Cyril Kali and Central midfielder Nikola Krcmarevic. Apart from a good mix of Indian and overseas talents, the squad comprises of both young and experienced stars.

Having addressed the major issue (lack of goals) by signing quality centre-forwards, the Blasters have made their intentions clear and might well go all the way this season.

#2 Fierier and determined to claim the crown

The Blasters were pretty unlucky to have lost two ISL finals in spite of their exceptional playing style. It was so near yet so far for David James' men in the inaugural edition, as Mohammad Rafique's winner handed Atletico de Kolkata their first crown in 2014.

After finishing last among eight-teams in 2015, the Blasters bounced back strongly with an attacking style of football the following year. They reached the finals in style and were the favourites to take the title at home in Kochi.

But fate had other ideas as they were beaten again by Kolkata, much to the disappointment of the vociferous Kochi crowd. Two summit-clash defeats against the same opponent (one at home) is something the fans of the Yellow army still find hard to digest.

But that's the beauty of this game. Having missed the golden opportunities in the past, the Blasters will be vying to make it count this time and gift their beautiful fans a much-deserved title. Expect them to come out all guns blazing.

#1 The passionate 'Manjappada'

A Kerala Blasters home match is something every Indian football fan would love to be a part of - the colour, passion, roar, Mexican waves and above all the celebration of football.

The kind of atmosphere fans of the Yellow army create during the match days at Kochi's colossal Jawaharlal Nehru stadium is just phenomenal. The 'Manjappada' (official Kerala Blasters fans) are undoubtedly the 12th man of the team - cheering their side from the kick-off till the full-time whistle.

This group of fans were rewarded the 'Best Fan club of the Year' (through online voting) during the Indian Sports Honours event last November for their unconditional love and passion towards their team.

With the brand new season of Indian football is upon us, expect the Blasters fans to paint the city of Kochi Yellow and it is something every Indian football fan must experience at least once. Their unconditional support and passion is sure to ignite the Yellow army to give their best on the field this season to lay hands on the glittering ISL trophy.