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What's the story?
Kerala Blasters FC may have failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the ISL, but they have a chance to play in the Super Cup. However, the Kochi-based team is still doubtful of securing the services of Dimitar Berbatov and Wes Brown since the development of the Super Cup came so late into the season.
In case you didn't know...
Kerala Blasters FC has played all 18 of their group league matches and won only six, accumulating just 25 points. They lost their last ISL game of the season 2-0 at the hands of bitter rivals Bengaluru FC. However, that may not be the end of their troubles.
The heart of the matter
With the All India Football Federation (AIFF) making the late announcement of the Super Cup, the teams may have to convince their player to stay for a few more weeks. As of now, there seems to be some lack of clarity with regards to whether Kerala's Manchester United stars Dimitar Berbatov and Wes Brown would stay for the cup tournament.
“I will have to have a conversation with them first. The information about the Super Cup came in late. I do hope so (that the pair will stay back),” said Kerala Blasters FC head coach David James when asked about the duo’s participation in the upcoming Indian Super Cup at the post-match press conference.
The Blasters are known for their enormous fan base and once again they proved it during their fixture against Bengaluru FC. In fact, it looked almost as if it was a neutral venue. David James was so overjoyed with the support his team got that he mocked the Bengaluru fans.
On being asked about the travelling fans, James said, “You mean Bengaluru fans? Away fans? I thought it was our stadium. Their support throughout the season has been superb. I am already excited about the prospects of KBFC going forward and the fans are a massive part of that.”
What's next?
The top six teams from the Indian Super League and the I-League will get an automatic qualification to the knockout stages of the Super Cup, while qualifying rounds will decide the rest of the four spots of the competition. Even if Kerala fail to finish in the top 6, the qualifying rounds will give them another opportunity.
The qualifying rounds of the Indian Super Cup involving the bottom four teams of both the leagues will begin on March 12 and will conclude on March 31. The Super Cup is set to kick start on March 31 and continue until 22nd April.
Author's take
Dimitar Berbatov and Wes Brown are two of the most experienced players in the Indian football circuit and have performed consistently throughout the league. The services of the above-mentioned players will be vital for the Kerala Blasters FC if they make to the business end of the Indian Super Cup.
