Five former ISL coaches whom Kerala Blasters can consider as Ivan Vukomanovic's replacement

A few coaches in this list are champions as well!

What’s next for Kerala Blasters? Who will be the next coach of the club? Has the management marked out someone or are they yet to make a decision? 

These are certain questions that are running down in the minds of the fans of Kerala Blasters and the football enthusiasts who are associated with the Indian Super League. After the departure of Ivan Vukomanovic, it’s now time to rope in a new head coach who can fill in the void and the boots of the Serbian. 

There are a few names that can come up on the board when we start talking about the head coaches or managers who can take control of the Indian clubs. While there is a long list of names who fit into the role, we have listed down the top five coaches who could be suitable to be roped in by the Kerala Blasters management.

Juan Ferrando 

The man who might first get his name ticked for the role is none other than Mohun Bagan‘s former head coach Juan Ferrando. Born in Barcelona, Spain, Ferrando has a long experience of being a coach in India. 

His journey in India started with FC Goa in 2020. Later in 2021, he shifted base to Mohun Bagan and remained at the helm before parting ways with them in December, last year.

Albert Roca 

The next name that takes the list is another Spaniard, Albert Roca. He not just has experience of coaching in India but has served as the assistant coach of FC Barcelona twice in his managerial career. 

His term in India started as the head coach of Bengaluru FC in 2016, which went on till 2018. Then in 2020, he again returned to the country to take charge of Hyderabad FC for a certain period of time. As of now, he is working with Bengaluru FC as their technical consultant.

Scott Cooper

Scott Cooper has a huge experience of managing several clubs and national teams. He started his career in 1999 and since then has managed England U-15, Philippines and Leicester City (Youth) amongst others. 

Cooper had a short term with Jamshedpur FC in 2023 before he parted ways with the club in December. Although he had a short stint on Indian soil, he still could be a huge asset for Kerala Blasters who might look for someone who can nurture young blood proficiently. 

Hiroshi Miyazawa

The assistant coach of Mumbai City FC also holds a chance of being the head coach of the Kerala outfit. He has been associated with Mumbai since 2021 and the club has been performing to their best in the last couple of seasons. 

He also has experience of guiding the New Zealand U-20 team and Auckland United in his 17 years of managerial career. It will be interesting to see whether he is approached by the club or not.

Simon Grayson

Simon Grayson’s reign at Bengaluru FC was a mixed bag. He arrived in 2022 with high hopes, guiding them to the Durand Cup title. However, inconsistent league form and a disappointing 4-0 defeat saw him mutually part ways with the club in December 2023.

He has taken Bengaluru to the ISL final in 2022-23, and knows how to handle a group of top players. He could be a probable option to navigate!

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