Ivan Vukomanovic to continue as Kerala Blasters' head coach next season

The Serbian has guided the team to their longest unbeaten run in the ISL.

Ivan Vukomanovic is set to continue as Kerala Blasters' head coach next season, Khel Now can confirm. The Serbian who joined the club this summer on an initial one-year contract will continue in his role next season after certain performance-based clauses in his contract were triggered following Kerala Blasters' long unbeaten run.

Vukomanovic himself hinted towards the same at the pre-match press conference ahead of Kerala Blasters' next game against Jamshedpur FC.

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"Ivan Vukomanovic will continue as Kerala Blasters' head coach next season," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now. "There were certain performance-based clauses in his contract, which have been automatically triggered once they were met," the source added.

The source also added that the club are keen on tying Ivan to a long-term contract to fend off interests from other clubs and will likely put forward an offer once this season concludes. "Both parties are keen on signing a new deal. There are chances that once this season ends, Kerala Blasters will offer Ivan a new long-term contract," said the source.

Kerala Blasters under Ivan Vukomanovic

Under the 44-year-old, the Blasters had embarked on a 10-match unbeaten run, a first in the club's history. They are currently second in the Indian Super League 2021-22 points table, with 23 points from 13 games. With just three points separating them from league leaders Hyderabad FC and two games in-hand, Vukomanovic's men are very much in the running for a summit finish this season.

So far they have won six matches and lost just two all season. The last of those two defeats came against Bengaluru FC, ending their long unbeaten run in the league. But, Kerala Blasters bounced back with a 2-1 win over NorthEast United in the next game, with Alvaro Vazquez scoring an audacious long-ranger to seal the win.

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Ahead of their next match against Jamshedpur FC, Vukomanovic hinted he will return to the hot-seat next season. Asked if there were any movements on his contract extension, the Kerala Blasters coach said, “Yes, we had a good conversation. I think there will be no problem to see each other next year. Hopefully in Kochi, at our home stadium.”

A win against the Men of Steel will help Kerala Blasters consolidate their position in second. They will also go level with Hyderabad FC on points with a victory. The reverse fixture between these two sides ended in a 1-1 draw.

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