Kerala Blasters’ Rocky Road: From Stahre’s Exit to Catalán’s Arrival
Kerala Blasters handed the reins to Swedish coach Mikael Stahre ahead of the 2024-25 ISL season, signing high-profile players like Noah Sadaoui and Kwame Peprah. However, results were dismal: a group-stage exit in the Durand Cup and a mid-table ISL finish (8th place with 26 points from 22 games). Stahre and his support staff were sacked in December 2024 after just 12 ISL matches (3 wins, 7 losses), with interim coaches Tomasz Tchorz and T.G. Purushothaman stabilizing the ship to end the league on a high note.

Catalán, appointed in early 2025, inherited a squad blending youth (like Azhar and his twin brother Mohammed Aimen) with veterans (Adrián Luna, Hormipam Ruivah). Despite beating East Bengal 2-1 in the Kaling Super Cup opener, Kerala suffered a humiliating 0-4 loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the quarterfinals, exiting via the reserves’ bench. Azhar, who featured in 16 ISL games last season (2 goals, 1 assist), reflected: “Last season taught us resilience. Now, with Catalán’s tactics, we’re sharper.”

Super Cup Ambitions: Path to AFC Glory
The Super Cup, starting October 30, 2025, in Goa, offers Kerala a direct ACL2 playoff ticket to the winners—crucial for continental exposure and potential revenue. Grouped with Rajasthan United (Oct 30), Mumbai City FC (Nov 3), and Punjab FC (Nov 6), Catalán’s side eyes a top-two finish. Azhar, a Kerala Blasters academy product since 2018, debuted in the 2023 Durand Cup and scored his senior goal in a 7-0 rout of CISF Protectors. Part of the 27-man squad announced on October 25, he added: “Winning here isn’t just about silverware—it’s our gateway to Asia. The fans deserve that dream.”

Kerala’s revamped roster includes:
Goalkeepers: Sachin Suresh, Kamaljit Singh, Alsabith S.T., Muhammad Jaseen M.
Defenders: Hormipam Ruivah, Bikash Yumnam, Milos Drinčić, Dušan Lagator, Naocha Singh, Aibanbha Dohling, Muhammed Saheef, Sandeep Singh.

Midfielders: Vibin Mohanan, Danish Farooq, Freddy Lallawmawma, Adrián Luna, Mohammed Azhar, Yoihenba Meitei, Ebindas Yesudasan, Korou Singh, Mohammed Aimen, Renthlei Lalthanmawia.

Forwards: Kwame Peprah, Jesús Jiménez, Noah Sadaoui, Sreekuttan M.S., Ishan Pandita.
With ACL2 playoffs offering group-stage entry against Asian powerhouses, Azhar’s vision aligns with the club’s “Manjappada” ethos. Matches stream live on FanCode and Star Sports. Can Kerala conquer the Super Cup and unlock Asia? Azhar believes so—watch this space.