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#3 Change in work culture under David James
Most of the ISL fans were amused in the first match of Kerala Blasters when David James fielded only 4 foreign players and gave starts to promising youngsters breaking the ISL norm. Most of the players have reiterated that it is the hard work in the training sessions that counts for selection and not the name tag that the player carries. This change in mentality will keep the young brigade in the Kerala Blasters in good stead for their future.
David James has been the go-to guy for Kerala in the past. The first season when they reached the finals, he played a big role and last season he steadied the ship for the team coming midway after Rene Mulensteen parted ways due to lacklustre results. David James has been the saviour for Kerala time and time again and his newfound determination to take Kerala forward is proving to be a wonderful case-study.
As many foreigners who played in the ISL have pointed out, it is not the dearth of talent that lacks in Indian football, it is the infrastructure facilities and the way the talent is nurtured that keeps the Indian football below par.
With the right strategy that Kerala has incorporated into its veins, it is possible that Kerala Blasters will be the next Football Powerhouse in India. It is high time other ISL clubs take notice and change their recruitment strategy of getting quick results with tried and tested superstars.
