Andrey Chernyshov joins defending Super League Kerala champions Kannur Warriors FC as new head coach
Chernyshov led Thrissur Magic FC to the finals last year
The reigning champions of Super League Kerala, Kannur Warriors, have appointed Russian tactician Andrey Chernyshov as their new head coach for the upcoming Super League Kerala (SLK) season.
The signing comes shortly after the departure of their previous head coach Manuel Sanchez, who leaves the club after leading the club to two consecutive playoffs. Earlier this year, Chernyshov parted ways with Thrissur Magic FC after leading the club to their maiden final and finishing as runners-up.
During a period where there was uncertainty looming in Indian Football, Kerala was silently sharpening their young players for the future with the introduction of the Super League Kerala.
The former I-League winning coach with Mohammedan SC now continues his journey in Kerala, contributing his share by raising the bar for players and elevating the state’s football scene.
Chernyshov’s stint in India
Andrey Chernyshov has created magic wherever he has held hands in India. The gaffer led Mohammedan SC to three consecutive Calcutta League titles, ending a massive 40-year local title drought for the club in his initial 2021 stint. He also finished as the runners-up in the I-League, falling short of Gokulam Kerala FC and even finished second in the Durand Cup.
In the 2023-24 season, Chernyshov broke the record by leading the Black and White Brigade to their maiden I-League title, securing promotion to the Indian Super League. However, the team struggled in the ISL and due to some internal issues, the manager parted ways with the club midway through the season.
Following that, he made a move down south to the Super League Kerala to manage Thrissur Magic FC. During the time of his appointment, Thrissur Magic FC had just ended their maiden Super League Kerala campaign on a disastrous note, ending the season at the bottom of the table with just one win.
However, in the next season, Chernyshov once again demonstrated his tactical brilliance. Despite starting the season with a loss, he then led the club to a 5-match unbeaten streak to cement their position in the top half of the table, averaging 1.82 points per game, one of the highest in his managerial career.
Later in the semi-finals, his team defeated the in-form Malappuram FC 3-1 to reach the final. However, in the final, Thrissur did not have the final laugh, as an early goal from Kannur snatched the title from the Magicians.
Despite the loss, Chernyshov broke numerous records in the SLK. He became the first manager to lead Thrissur Magic FC into the playoffs and finals, became their longest-serving manager, fetched the highest points in the club’s history and recorded a solid 5-match unbeaten streak, the joint-longest streak of the Super League Kerala 2025.
The countdown has started for the Super League Kerala 2026
The quality of Kerala’s football landscape has been transforming day by day since the launch of the Super League Kerala (SLK). Supported by substantial investment in both infrastructure and world-class players, the league is rapidly elevating Kerala’s footballing infrastructure.
The strategic signings of quality foreigners and experienced Indian players have been crucial in injecting competition into the league. The surge in investment for players has transformed SLK into a talent hotbed, where international and domestic players have come to showcase their pedigree and mentor the young players in the league.
The Super League Kerala 2026, which will start in September 2026, will now feature two additional franchises, bringing the number of teams to 8 from 6. With the expansion in the third season, the total number of matches will increase from 33 to 61.
Adopting a ‘home-and-away’ format for these additional matches will significantly boost commercial opportunities and fan engagement. SLK anticipates massive growth across television, digital platforms, and stadiums in the upcoming season.
Who is the head coach of Kannur Warriors FC?
Kannur Warriors have appointed Russian tactician Andrey Chernyshov as their new head coach for the upcoming Super League Kerala (SLK) season.
When will the SLK start?
Super League Kerala (SLK) will start in September 2026.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Niranjan R Prabhu is an Economics student from Kochi with an enduring passion for Indian football, especially as a devoted Kerala Blasters FC fan — a club he considers part of his life. Beyond the game, he writes on culture, Indian economic development, and sustainability, always eager to explore ideas in depth. His days are a balancing act between college, writing, and travel.