Felt the right energy and emotion from the moment I joined KBFC, says Ivan Vukomanovic; Gaffer extends his contract with Blasters till 2025

KOCHI: Kerala Blasters coach Ivan Vukomanovic said that he felt the right energy and emotion from the moment he joined ISL club Kerala Blasters FC. The Serbian expressed his emotions at the backdrop of signing a new contract with the ISL runners-up that saw him extending his stay at the Kerala club till 2025.

Ivan who joined Blasters last year was offered an initial contract that ran till 2022. But after a mesmerising season that saw the club entering the ISL final, the management decided to give the gaffer a longer stay at the club. Since joining Blasters, Ivan has had a transformational effect on the club’s playing style by setting an array of significant club records along the way.

Blasters reached numerous milestones including a remarkable 10-match unbeaten run that saw the club climb to the top of the table for the very first time in ISL history. In an exemplary season that saw numerous Indian players flourish and many young players debut, the club also recorded its highest goals scored, highest points obtained, the most number of wins and least number of losses, under Ivan.

"Since we started our cooperation last year, I was immediately attracted by the people leading this project, fans and Kerala. Today, we have a great opportunity to continue in the same direction with more commitment and dedication. I am pleased with this contract extension. Hope that we all will have even more motivation to be better in the next seasons," said Ivan.

Blasters sporting director Karolis Skinkys who orchestrated Ivan's move to Blasters was also equally satisfied by the performance of both the team and the coach. Skinkys said that he was happy to offer a three-year deal to Ivan as he adapted seamlessly and is an integral part of the Blasters family. "I think it is an important move for our club, and we now have a strong base to continue our work with consistency and achieve more goals. I would like to congratulate all Kerala Blasters fans on this extension," he added.