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Top 10 talking points from Kerala Blasters FC management's interaction with Manjappada

Published at :January 21, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Modified at :January 21, 2025 at 10:45 PM
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Saikat Sengupta


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The Kerala Blasters management and the Manjappada fanbase had a fruitful discussion.

Kerala Blasters FC management recently engaged in a much-awaited interaction with their passionate supporters’ group, Manjappada. This meeting symbolized the club’s attempt to address growing concerns among its fan base while fostering transparency and accountability. The dialogue provided fans with a platform to voice their apprehensions about the team’s progress, management decisions, and future plans.

Amid the intense love and loyalty of the Manjappada fan base lies a longing for consistency, success, and trophies. With Kerala Blasters yet to clinch the prestigious Indian Super League title, the passionate supporters have grown increasingly vocal about what they perceive as the management’s lack of urgency. The meeting provided an avenue for the club’s leadership to clarify their stance, acknowledge challenges, and reinforce their commitment to building a brighter future.

10. Commitment to Transparency

The meeting began with the KBFC management emphasizing their dedication to open dialogue with fans. They acknowledged that transparency is key to bridging the gap between the club’s decision-makers and its supporters. The management assured the Manjappada that their concerns would not go unheard and pledged to address issues with sincerity and clarity. This commitment, they said, was crucial to fostering trust and creating a united front in their pursuit of footballing excellence.

9. Addressing the “Obsession with Winning” Statement

One of the most debated topics was the CEO’s earlier statement that the club should not be “obsessed with trophies.” Fans perceived this as a lack of ambition, leading to widespread backlash. In the meeting, the CEO clarified the intent behind the statement, explaining that it was misinterpreted. He emphasized that the club is committed to building a sustainable system of success and that winning trophies remains an integral goal. The clarification aimed to reassure fans that the management is not settling for mediocrity but striving to establish a long-term winning culture.

8. Training Facility Access and Improvements

Fans expressed concerns about the unavailability of proper training facilities during critical periods. The management countered these claims, stating that the Panampilly ground was fully accessible post-Durand Cup 2024. They acknowledged that temporary disruptions due to government tendering processes had caused confusion but promised proactive communication in the future. The club highlighted their efforts to ensure consistent access to quality facilities, essential for player development and team preparation.

7. Recruitment Strategy and Domestic Talent Acquisition

The club’s recruitment strategy was heavily scrutinized, with fans highlighting missed opportunities and subpar signings in the past. The management admitted to prior shortcomings and outlined a revamped approach to scouting and recruiting. Recent acquisitions like Aiban and Pritam were cited as examples of their renewed focus on impactful signings. Plans for the winter transfer window were also discussed, with the club aiming to fill critical gaps through both domestic and foreign additions. Long-term recruitment strategies, particularly targeting younger talents for summer windows, were also emphasized as part of their blueprint for success.

6. Reviving the Women’s Team

Manjappada inquired about the status of the women’s team, which has been absent in recent years. The CEO offered a carefully worded response, hinting at developments without divulging specifics. This vagueness left fans eager for concrete updates, as the revival of the women’s team is seen as a crucial step toward expanding the club’s legacy and promoting inclusivity within Kerala Blasters FC.

5. Fan Protests and Placard Regulations

The topic of fan protests and the removal of placards during matches was a significant concern. Fans were upset about what they perceived as an infringement on their right to express dissatisfaction. Management clarified that the removals were due to league broadcast and security guidelines rather than any directives from the club. They reassured Manjappada that peaceful protests would always be respected, acknowledging the fan group’s role in creating a vibrant football culture.

4. Financial Challenges and Sustainability

The club shed light on the financial struggles they face, including substantial operational losses. Stadium rent was highlighted as a major expenditure, alongside other logistical costs. The CEO dismissed misconceptions that the club’s ownership is profiting from its operations, emphasizing that significant personal investments have been made to sustain the team. Revenue-generating initiatives, such as Kravin, were cited as examples of efforts to achieve financial stability. These funds, the management stated, are reinvested directly into the club.

3. Optimizing Squad Size and Player Retention

The management elaborated on their plans to optimize the squad size, targeting 22-23 players for better cohesion and training quality. The club acknowledged difficulties in retaining players, particularly when rival teams offer significantly higher wages. Balancing the squad’s financial sustainability with its competitive edge remains a delicate challenge. However, they assured fans that future decisions would prioritize maintaining a strong core while fostering young talent.

2. Lessons from Past Transfer Windows

Manjappada voiced their frustration over delayed and reactive decisions in previous transfer windows. Fans highlighted instances where timely signings could have changed the team’s fortunes. Management acknowledged these shortcomings and stressed that lessons had been learned. The club pledged to adopt a more proactive approach, ensuring that future transfer windows reflect their ambition to strengthen the squad in critical areas.

1. Renewed Focus on Building a Winning Legacy

The dialogue concluded on an emotional note, with the CEO addressing the club’s trophy-less history. While acknowledging the fans’ frustrations, he expressed optimism about the club’s trajectory. He highlighted the collective effort required from management, players, and supporters to achieve the dream of lifting the ISL trophy. The unwavering loyalty of Manjappada was celebrated as a cornerstone of the club’s identity, with assurances that their voices would guide future decisions.

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