What happened to Kerala Blasters? This is the question that fans will be asking after the first eight matches of the 2024-25 Indian Super League season. Despite having a good squad and a good coach, the Yellow Army is struggling this time. Blasters are currently 10th in the ISL points table with two wins, two draws and four losses in eight matches. It is also noteworthy that Blasters is the team that was in the top three in the points table at the same time last season. It is true that Kerala Blasters suffered a setback due to injuries, suspension and refereeing errors of key players, but even then, the performance of the team was below average. The Yellow Army have suffered back-to-back defeats in their last three games, and have played well only against Bengaluru FC.
The team’s performance in the last match against Hyderabad was pathetic. After the international break, Kerala Blasters will play in the ISL. Chennaiyin FC will be the opponents of Yellow Army in the next match which will be held on 24th of this month. It’s good to have a break like this when the team has completely lost confidence.
At the same time, the full strength squad is expected to be with Kerala Blasters when they return after the break. The comeback that everyone is waiting for is that of Malayalee goalkeeper Sachin Suresh. Sachin Tendulkar, Kerala Blasters’ number one goalkeeper, could only play the first four ISL matches due to injury. Later, Som Kumar did not find the net for the team in the four matches played by the Yellow Army.
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Som’s performance in these games was quite disappointing. He conceded 10 goals in four games. It is noteworthy that many of these goals were conceded due to minor mistakes. A display of inexperience overshadowed his performance. Som will return to the substitutes’ bench with Sachin returning from injury.
Noah Sadaoui, who missed a few matches due to injury, came on as a substitute in the game against Hyderabad FC. The player will return to the team’s starting line-up after the international break. Fans have seen in the first games of the season how sharp the Blasters’ progress can be if Sadaoui is on the field from the start.
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Ghanaian player Khwame Pepra, who missed the last match due to suspension, will also return to the Kerala Blasters lineup in the next game. Pepra has been in good form this ISL season scoring three goals. With Pepra also available for selection, the fans hope that the yellow team will be able to field their best squad in the next game.
What Happened to Kerala Blasters? A Season of Frustration
Ah, Kerala Blasters! The team that promises more than your ex on a Saturday night but has delivered less than your favorite local takeaway’s “30-minute guarantee.” This season, after just eight matches in the 2024-25 Indian Super League, the once-feared Yellow Army now seems to have all the bite of a toothless tiger. Currently lounging in 10th place on the points table with two wins, two draws, and four losses, it feels like they’ve stumbled into an all-you-can-eat buffet of despair!
Last season, it was all fireworks and triumphs, placed comfortably in the top three. But now, fans find themselves asking the question: Did they leave their form in last year’s festivities? Blasters’ current slump is reminiscent of a comedy show where the audience keeps waiting for the punchline that never arrives. Come on, guys, we need a bit more than just “performances below average.”
The Real Blasters Tale: Injuries and Inexperience
Injuries, suspensions, and a sprinkling of questionable refereeing decisions have definitely not helped. But let’s be honest: even with a roster full of potential, if the performances are as thrilling as watching paint dry, there’s clearly something wrong. Their last match against Hyderabad FC? Calling it “pathetic” might be too kind. The squad is tasting defeat like it’s a new culinary experience, and spoiler alert—it’s not a good one!
Breaking the Cycle? A Much-Needed Break
As they enter the international break, it’s a perfect opportunity. When you’ve just lost three matches on the trot, sometimes the best thing to do is hit the pause button, grab a snack, and question all your life choices. Upon their return, they face Chennaiyin FC. Let’s just hope the only thing they carry from the last three games is the lesson learned, instead of the baggage of broken confidence.
Key Comebacks on the Horizon
The promising news is the come back of key players; watch out for Malayalee goalkeeper Sachin Suresh—who gets injured more frequently than I change my socks. His early-season absence left his backup Som Kumar, looking more like a deer caught in headlights, conceding a staggering 10 goals in just four games. I mean, we’re not asking for a miracle here, but it would be nice if he at least attempted to save some of those. Time to clear the bench, Som—there’s a new goalie in town!
And speaking of returns, let’s not forget Noah Sadaoui! After nursing an injury and watching more matches from the sidelines than he probably wanted to, he’s slated to rejoin the starting lineup. Fans are buzzing, probably because they’ve seen firsthand how dynamic Blasters can be with his flair on the pitch.
The Missing Pep: Khwame Pepra is Back!
Oh, and did I mention Khwame Pepra? The Ghanaian dynamo who knows how to find the net, scoring three goals already and now back from a suspension. Should his name be changed to “Khwame Pep-you-up” because it looks like he’s just what the Yellow Army needs. With him, Suresh, and Sadaoui all set to rejoin, fans are clinging to the hope that their lineup might actually strike fear into the hearts of their opponents instead of just making them yawn.
A Silver Lining?
As Kerala Blasters gear up for the next match, the optimism is palpable, yet sensible fans know hope can be as unreliable as the weather forecast. A string of victories could turn the tide, but until then, it seems the Kerala Blasters are stuck in a comedy of errors rather than a glorious football saga. So here’s to hoping that post-international break, the Yellow Army can resurrect their season with more zest than a lemon at a summer barbecue.
Grab your popcorn, folks; the next match is just around the corner—and if you love drama, you’re in for a treat! So let’s get ready to cheer (or jeer) as we join the ride of the Kerala Blasters rollercoaster!
What has happened to the Kerala Blasters? This is the pressing question echoing among fans after the initial eight matches of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season. Despite boasting a robust squad and a capable coach, the Yellow Army is grappling with unexpected struggles this season. Currently positioned 10th in the ISL points table, their record stands at two wins, two draws, and four defeats from eight matches. In contrast, it is significant to mention that Kerala Blasters held a spot within the top three of the points table at this same juncture last season.
While it is acknowledged that the team has faced challenges, including injuries, suspensions, and controversial refereeing decisions affecting key players, the overall performance has still not met expectations. The Yellow Army is reeling from a disappointing streak, having incurred three consecutive defeats, with their only commendable performance against Bengaluru FC.
The team’s lackluster display in the latest match against Hyderabad was particularly alarming. Looking ahead, Kerala Blasters will resume ISL action following the upcoming international break, facing Chennaiyin FC in a match scheduled for the 24th of this month. Given the team’s recent struggles, a break could serve as a much-needed opportunity for rejuvenation and reflection.
Upon their return, supporters are hopeful for a fully-fit squad, including the highly anticipated comeback of Malayalee goalkeeper Sachin Suresh. Kerala Blasters’ first-choice goalkeeper was sidelined due to injury, having participated in only the initial four ISL matches. Since his departure, substitute Som Kumar has struggled significantly, having not found the net in the subsequent four matches played by the Yellow Army.
Som’s performances have left much to be desired, allowing in a staggering ten goals across those four appearances, several of which stemmed from minor errors. This lack of experience has overshadowed his contributions, and upon Sachin’s return, it is likely that Som will revert to the substitutes’ bench.
In terms of squad reinforcements, Noah Sadaoui, who missed several matches due to injury, made a brief substitute appearance against Hyderabad FC. Fans anticipate his return to the starting lineup following the international break, having witnessed the potential impact of his early-season form.
Additionally, Ghanaian forward Khwame Pepra, who was absent in the last match due to suspension, will also be rejoining the Kerala Blasters lineup in their next fixture. Pepra has made a significant impression this season, netting three goals. With his and Sadaoui’s return, there is renewed hope among fans that the Yellow Army can field their optimal squad, which could spell success in their upcoming matches.
Ad FC was particularly alarming. As they prepare to resume play after the international break, they will face Chennaiyin FC on the 24th of this month. Given their recent struggles, fans are left wondering if this break will be a blessing or just an additional hurdle.
**Interviewer**: To discuss the current situation of the Kerala Blasters, we have former player and football analyst, Rahul Menon. Rahul, what do you think has gone wrong for the Blasters this season?
**Rahul Menon**: It’s been a tough ride for the Blasters this season. Even though the squad has immense potential and a skilled coach at the helm, they’ve struggled to find their rhythm. Being in 10th place after a promising start last season is disappointing for fans. Injuries and suspensions have indeed played a role, particularly with key players like goalkeeper Sachin Suresh missing out for several matches.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of injuries, how much of an impact do you think Sachin’s absence has had on the team’s performance?
**Rahul Menon**: Tremendous, to be honest. When you lose your first-choice keeper, it can shake the entire defense’s confidence. Som Kumar, who stepped in, had a rough patch. Conceding 10 goals in four games put a lot of pressure on the backline and created a domino effect of uncertainty throughout the squad. With Sachin’s possible return, I expect the defense to stabilize, but it remains to be seen how quickly he can adapt after being sidelined.
**Interviewer**: The upcoming match against Chennaiyin FC could be pivotal. What do the Blasters need to do to turn their luck around?
**Rahul Menon**: First and foremost, they need to regain confidence. A solid and determined mindset can work wonders in football. Additionally, with players like Noah Sadaoui returning to the lineup, the attack should see a boost in creativity. Pairing him with Khwame Pepra, who has shown he can score consistently, could provide the Blasters with the attacking edge they so desperately need.
**Interviewer**: It sounds like the fanbase has a reason to hope, but is it realistic based on their recent performances?
**Rahul Menon**: Football is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it thrilling for fans. While realists may feel cautious, football has a way of flipping narratives in a matter of moments. If the Blasters can come together as a cohesive unit and learn from their past mistakes, they have the potential to turn their season around. It all comes down to execution on match day.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Rahul. Let’s hope the Blasters can conjure up some much-needed magic after the break!
