Kerala Blasters part ways with assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed

Ishfaq was in charge for the 2023 Hero Super Cup after Ivan Vukomanovic's suspension.

Kerala Blasters FC announced that Ishfaq Ahmed will be leaving his role as assistant coach of the club. The relationship between the Indian coach and the Club ended in mutual consent upon completing his contract this summer.

Ishfaq served as an assistant coach for four years after a three-year stint as a Kerala Blasters player, making his ISL debut with the Blasters.

Karolys Skinkis' quotes

"Kerala Blasters FC wants to wholeheartedly thank Ishfaq for the hard work and commitment he has shown toward the team as an Assistant Coach over the last 4 years. His passion for the game has made his place in the club's history special, from being a player first and then a coach.

"The club will always welcome him back with open arms as part of the Kerala Blasters family. The club would like to wish Ishfaq all the best for his future endavours," said Karolys Skinkis, Sporting Director - Kerala Blasters FC.

About Ishfaq Ahmed's playing career

A member of the AIFF Technical Committee, Ishfaq enjoyed a succesful career as a Central Midfielder. He played in both the I-League and Indian Super League for Dempo, Mohun Bagan, Salgaocar, East Bengal, Mohammedan, Kerala Blasters, Pune FC and Mumbai FC.

Interestingly, Ahmed began his journey with sports as a cricketer and then switched to football due to the lack of opportunities. He and Mehrajuddin Wadoo hail from Jammu and Kashmir. Ishfaq was called up to the India U-23 side and scored on his debut against Turkmenistan U-23. He was called up for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers but could not make it to the starting XI. In 2015, he was been a part of the Kerala Blasters coaching staff and returned in 2019.