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What's the story?
Kerala Blaster's head coach David James, who recently replaced Rene Meulensteen will not be signing any new players in the January transfer window.
In case you don't know...
For the first time in ISL history, teams have the option to add or remove players from their squad in January but unlike Europe, here the transfer window opens on January 16 and shuts on February 15.
Clubs like Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa have hired some players in the last few days. However, the ISL 3 runner-ups won't be making changes to their team as James feels that he is here only to fix what is broken.
The heart of the matter
James acknowledged the fact that the January transfer window, 'is a new thing in Indian football which is helpful for the struggling teams.' But felt that he shouldn't make changes to his existing squad.
"I have just had two sessions with the players and I am still trying to understand them. Also I believe that when a coach is brought in to replace another, his duty is to fix the issue and make a team better with the resources which are at his disposal and not look for reinforcements. So I am not looking forward to any new signings at this moment," said the former England international ahead of his team's match against
What's next?
The Blasters will be featuring in three back to back away matches between January 10 and 17 with the first one scheduled to be played against the Dynamos at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Author's take
Kerala Blasters have 25 players in their squad at this point of time, which is also the maximum they are allowed to have in their ranks. This means even if they want to sign anyone, first a player has to be got rid of.
It's true that FC Goa and FC Pune City have released footballers in the middle of the season but James can't be blamed for his stand as he feels that he can turn things around without much chopping and changing.
