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Top five reasons why Eelco Schattorie can succeed at Kerala Blasters

Published at :June 24, 2019 at 8:58 AM
Modified at :December 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM
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(Courtesy : ISL Media)

Atrayo Bhattacharya


The Dutch tactician was appointed as the head coach of the southerners earlier this summer.

Kerala Blasters have been the busiest of all Indian clubs in the transfer market this summer. They have already secured some stellar deals, making a statement to their rivals ahead of the upcoming season.

However, it was an underwhelming previous campaign, in which they finished ninth in the Indian Super League and subsequently, were knocked out by the prodigious Indian Arrows in the Super Cup Qualifiers. Amidst all the negativity among fans and the disappointing results, the Blasters have started well this season, at least on paper. The acquisition of Eelco Schattorie to be their new man at the helm could be a masterstroke, if things fall into place.

The Dutchman is tactically astute and has ample experience in Indian football. Add to that, his attractive brand of attacking football will also bring back the lively supporters of the Blasters.

Here are five reasons why the tactician can succeed at the Kochi-based club next season.

5. Experience in Indian football

Schattorie is not a new name in the Indian football circuit. Starting his journey with United Sports Club in Kolkata back in 2012, Eelco has also enjoyed a short stint at East Bengal. One thing is certain, with time the 47-year-old has only got better.

Last season at NorthEast United, he made some audacious moves which worked out massively in favour of the Highlanders, propelling them to their first-ever playoffs. Schattorie may have stumbled in his early days in the subcontinent, but now the Dutchman has turned out to be a seasoned tactician. Hence, the Blasters can expect only good things from their new boss.

4. Reunited with Bartholomew Ogbeche

Along with Schattorie, the southerners have also managed to lure former NorthEast United talisman Bartholomew Ogbeche. The Nigerian forward was exceptional for the Highlanders last season, scoring 12 goals and assisting twice. He spearheaded the attack and his all-round ability as a forward also allowed the tactician to be flexible with his approach.

Ogbeche was one of the most prolific goalscorers in the ISL last season

The duo has shown tremendous understanding at their previous club and we can definitely expect fireworks once again from them at the Blasters. The southerners managed to score only 18 goals throughout last season. For this very reason, the signing of Ogbeche will add a lot more firepower to their frontline and it will also add dynamism to Schattorie's approach in matches.

3. Utmost utilization of resources

The Dutchman's main selling point is his possession-based attacking football and his ability to work with limited resources. He had scant resources and yet he was able to inspire his side to the playoffs last campaign. However, he never complained about the difficulties he had at NorthEast, instead, he took it as a challenge and passed with flying colours at the end of the season.

In contrast, he now has ample resources at Kerala. Hence, it will be key for him to utilize them to the fullest as he has always done.

2. Trust in youngsters

Schattorie is a coach who believes in playing an attacking brand of football and subsequently, improving the crop of young players at his club. The Blasters have signed several youngsters recently, with Rahul KP, arguably, being the most talented of the crop. The former Indian Arrows forward will look to develop his skills under the tutelage of the Dutchman, who looks to trust his young players.

Players like Sahal Abdul Samad, Lalruatthara, Dependra Negi and Prashant K should play vital roles in the tactician's philosophy of promoting and nurturing young players and elevating them to the next level.

ALSO READ: Exclusive: I think that both ISL and I-League are important for Indian football- Eelco Schattorie

1. Presence of Mario Arques and Sergio Cidoncha will be crucial in midfield

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Schattorie's style has always been to dominate the opposition by having more of the ball and Mario Arques, in the holding midfield role will be a vital cog in his system. Arques had a stellar season with Jamshedpur FC and will look to continue the same form with the Blasters. The Spaniard has the ability to control the tempo of the game and is also astute with his defensive duties.

On the other hand, Sergio Cidoncha can be the creative nucleus of the side and can replicate the role which Federico Gallego played alongside Ogbeche at NorthEast. Cidoncha is expected to play in the #10 position and get into the free spaces near the six-yard box. In this system, he will be allowed to roam freely and get into the right places to hurt the opposition.

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