How does T. G. Purushothaman plan to use young talents in rebuilding of Kerala Blasters in ISL?

Kerala Blasters are struggling miserably in ISL 2024-25 season.

T. G. Purushothaman’s Kerala Blasters are all set to face Punjab FC in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) match, with hopes of beginning the new year on a victorious note. After a disappointing first half of the season, the team is all poised to turn things around.

The recent sacking of the head coach, Mikael Stahre, due to poor performance, has prepared the way for interim head coach T. G. Purushothaman to take charge in this critical juncture, aided by Tomasz Tchorz as his support.

A History of Nurturing Young Talent

Kerala Blasters has always been a hotbed for young talent coming through the ranks in Indian football. From their inception, the club has produced stars who have made significant contributions to both the team and the national football scene.

Players starting from Sandesh Jhingan, who became the Emerging Player in the debut ISL season, and recent talents like Mohammed Aimen, Mohammed Azhar, Vibin Mohanan, to Nihal Sudeesh are products of the Blaster’s youth-focused approach.

Two who have made all the difference are Tomasz Tchorz, known for his ability to spot emerging talents, and Purushothaman. This, according to T. G. Purushothaman, was something the philosophy of the team still follows and must continue to follow. “We just support them, give them playing time, give them confidence, and stand by them in both good and bad times. That’s the only way to guide them. New players have to emerge for the benefit of the national team and the ISL,” he said.

T. G. Purushothaman speaks on building confidence in young talents

Reviving young players who showed great form last season is one of the major challenges the interim coaching staff will face. With the likes of Mohammed Aimen being included in the current squad and the near possible return of Vibin Mohanan, T. G. Purushothaman is hopeful. “Aimen will be in the squad, and Vibin and Jesus will be back shortly. Maybe in the next two matches,” confirmed T. G. Purushothaman.

This trend of roping in young players is not only about developing youngsters individually but is a well-thought-out strategy to rejuvenate the rhythm of the team. Focusing on the youth, the Blasters seek to bring energy and fight into their game.

The Blasters have also shown they are thinking beyond the current season with the pre-contract signing of Bikash Yumnam, 21, one of Indian football’s brightest youngsters. This move underlines the club’s plan to build a strong foundation for future campaigns.

On the prospects of January signings, Purushothaman was quoted as saying, “Everything is going good, and everything will be told officially. It happens positively.” The management is all busy developing the squad, expecting more young talents into the depth.

A Collaborative Effort

The partnership between Purushothaman and Tchorz is essential in the Blaster’s revival strategy because their deep insight into talents combined with a joint vision will bring guidance to help get the team back to form.

As the Blasters head out to their next date, all eyes will be watching how the Blasters will fight for the win and sew the young bunch of talents together into their strategy. For a club that prides itself on developing the stars of tomorrow, this could be the key to reclaiming its dominance in the ISL.

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