Who is Mikael Stahre? Kerala Blasters new head coach's career highlights, tactics and more

Mikhael Stahre took over Kerala Blasters after Ivan Vukomanovic’s exit.

Kerala Blasters FC have welcomed Swedish coach Mikael Stahre as their new head coach, replacing Ivan Vukomanovic. The outgoing Serbian guided the Blasters to remarkable heights, securing playoff berths in three consecutive Indian Super League (ISL) seasons and runners-up finish in the 2021-22 season.

However, the ultimate prize, the ISL trophy, eluded them. With Stahre’s arrival, the club will be eager to build on Vukomanovic’s success and finally claim their first silverware.With so much speculation about him, we at Khel Now take a deeper look at the Tuskers’ new head coach:

Who is Mikael Stahre?

Mikael Stahre, from Stockholm, Sweden, brings over two decades of coaching experience to Kerala Blasters FC. His coaching journey began at the young age of 14 after his playing career was cut short by injury. Over the years, Stahre has led multiple teams, making the Blasters his 11th club as a head coach.

Career Highlights

Stahre started his coaching career with youth teams at Gröndals IK, Hammarby IF, and AIK between 1994 and 2005. His success with AIK’s youth side in 2004 earned him a promotion to first-team assistant coach in 2006. He then took his first head coach position with Vasby United, leading them to promotion from the third tier to the second.

In 2009, Stahre returned to AIK as head coach, achieving a remarkable League and Cup double and winning the Swedish Super Cup the following season. His tenure at IFK Goteborg further highlighted his capabilities, where he won the Swedish Cup in his debut season and consistently secured top league finishes.

Stahre’s coaching journey has taken him across the globe, with roles in Greece, China, the USA, Norway, and Thailand. His extensive international experience makes him well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the ISL and lead Kerala Blasters FC to success.

Kerala Blasters FC have appointed Mikael Stahre as the new head coach until 2026 #Indianfootball #KBFC #ISL #LetsFootball #Stahre #MikaelStahre pic.twitter.com/w5mFabwXJL

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) May 23, 2024

Tactical Approach

Stahre is known for his possession-oriented style of play, often building up from the back. He typically employs a 4-4-2 formation with a double pivot but is flexible with tactics, sometimes using 3-4-3 and 4-3-3 setups. This style suits Kerala Blasters’ current squad, with players like Jeakson Singh and Vibin Mohanan fitting well into the double pivot role.

Stahre’s strategy emphasizes the importance of central midfielders in controlling play and advancing the ball to attacking midfielders. His teams are known for their defensive resilience, a key factor in his previous successes. Notably, his AIK team in 2009 conceded only 20 goals in 30 games, showcasing his defensive expertise.

Youth Development and High Expectations

Stahre has always placed a strong emphasis on youth development, a philosophy that aligns with Kerala Blasters FC’s commitment to nurturing young talent. Having started his coaching career in youth setups, Stahre has consistently integrated promising young players into his teams.

Kerala Blasters’ recent focus on promoting players from their reserve side aligns perfectly with Stahre’s approach. It only remains to be seen how far will Stahre take this Kerala Blasters team in India’s domestic football league, considering the fans have high expectations from him.

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