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The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Manolo Marquez and AIFF part ways mutually; Federation to put out advertisement for head coach role
The Manolo Marquez chapter in Indian national team football ended on a rather anticlimactic note as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) mutually agreed to part ways with the Spaniard on Wednesday. The decision was one of the many taken at the AIFF Executive Committee Meeting today. 'Mr. Marquez did not resign. After discussions with the AIFF, it was mutually agreed that he will not continue as India (men) coach. Accordingly, he was let go,' M. Satyanarayanan, the acting general secretary of the AIFF, told Sportstar. Marquez, who guided Hyderabad FC to the Indian Super League (ISL) title in 2022 and won the Super Cup with FC Goa this year, had succeeded Igor Stimac as India coach a year ago. ALSO READ | AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey: We must evaluate if we had a structured youth development system 10 years ago But he has failed to replicate his club success at the international level. India did not win any competitive match under the Spaniard, despite Sunil Chhetri, India's record goalscorer, coming out of retirement earlier this year. His last match was a 0-1 loss to Hong Kong, India's first competitive defeat to the opponent in 32 years. Marquez was in two minds after the draw with Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in March and had eventually made up his mind to move on. However, there were discussions between the AIFF and the coach, with the latter pushing for Marquez to continue. That ultimately hinged his decision on the third round qualifier against Hong Kong on June 10, where the loss acted as his breaking point. The Blue Tigers played eight matches under him, including friendlies, losing thrice and winning just once, a 3-0 victory over the Maldives. FILE PHOTO: Khalid (left), like Marquez, has been a coach in the Indian Super League (ISL) and is the only Indian manager in the league. | Photo Credit: BISWARANJAN ROUT India, which was ranked 99th in the FIFA rankings in July 2023, has now dropped to 127th, with no wins in competitive football since November 2023. The Federation will now put up an advertisement for the vacant position, with Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil one of the names expected to be on the shortlist as a replacement. Khalid, like Marquez, has been a coach in the Indian Super League (ISL) and is the only Indian manager in the league. He has taken two ISL sides, Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC, to the ISL Cup semifinals, while the former was the Super Cup runner-up last season. 'Jamshedpur FC has not officially received an offer from AIFF for Khalid, and he has a contract with the club till 2026. If at all such an offer comes, the club will decide then,' a source told Sportstar.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Mohun Bagan Super Giant's all-time best XI in ISL: Ultimate Mariners line-up since 2020
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 30 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) may have only joined the Indian Super League (ISL) in the 2020-21 season, but their influence on the competition has been far from short-lived. In just a few years, the Mariners have emerged as a dominant force, defined by their unwavering consistency, bold ambition, and relentless pursuit of silverware, as per the official website of ISL. The Kolkata giants have made it to the playoffs every single time, which speaks volumes about their planning and winning mentality. Not just that, but with back-to-back ISL Shields, two ISL Cups, and numerous iconic wins along the way, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have rapidly cemented their status among the elite clubs in the ISL. Whether through moments of tactical brilliance, attacking flair, or defensive steel, the team has rarely compromised on quality. Their squads have boasted both Indian stalwarts and high-profile international names, making our task of selecting an all-time ISL starting XI incredibly challenging. Each season has brought new heroes, but we've tried to strike a balance. While Arindam Bhattacharja impressed in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's debut ISL season, winning the Golden Glove with 10 clean sheets in 23 matches, and Amrinder Singh showcased his brilliance the following year, it's Vishal Kaith who earns the nod as our goalkeeper for the Mariners' all-time XI. Kaith's consistency over the last three seasons has been remarkable. Since joining the club, he has made 75 appearances, recorded 35 clean sheets, and conceded just 69 goals. His performances between the sticks have been key to the team's recent success, helping them win two ISL Shields and two ISL Cups. Crucially, Kaith played an instrumental role in both ISL Cup final victories and has won the Golden Glove twice in the last three seasons, making him a clear standout for this position. Just like Kaith, Asish Rai joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant ahead of the 2022-23 season, and has since become a mainstay on the right flank. Known for his work rate, defensive awareness, and attacking overlaps, Rai has brought the right balance to the team's right-hand side. Rai has made 66 appearances so far, contributing to 20 clean sheets. In attack, he has also provided four assists and scored one goal, a memorable strike against his former club, Hyderabad FC, in the 2023-24 season. Under Juan Ferrando, he even operated in more advanced roles at times. His consistency, versatility, and ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch make him a deserving inclusion in this all-time XI. Pritam Kotal may have moved on, but he will always be remembered as a fan favourite and a cornerstone of Mohun Bagan Super Giant's early ISL years. A natural leader, Kotal mastered both the right-back and right centre-back roles with equal confidence and consistency. In his 68 appearances over three seasons with the Mariners, he played a key role in organising the defence and helped the team lift one ISL Cup. He was everything you'd want in the spine of a successful team: vocal, commanding, and fully committed, with a superb reading of the game and often underrated technical ability. His reliability and leadership in high-pressure moments give him the edge over Sandesh Jhingan for this position in our all-time XI. Alberto Rodriguez made an instant impact in his debut campaign, taking an already solid defence to the next level alongside Tom Aldred. His influence at both ends of the pitch was crucial, as he played a key role in helping the Mariners achieve a historic ISL double in the 2024-25 season. Rodriguez was involved in 14 of the team's 16 clean sheets, displaying his excellent positional sense, calmness under pressure, and sharp defensive instincts. He also made a difference in attack, contributing five goals and one assist, proving to be a consistent threat on set-pieces. His dominance in both boxes and composure in a debut season in a new league give him the edge over other strong contenders like Tiri and Aldred, who also had a terrific debut year. No need for an explanation about this selection. Subhasish Bose has been Mohun Bagan Super Giant's most dependable left-back in the ISL era and arguably one of the best the league has ever seen in his position. A true leader on and off the pitch, Bose took over the captaincy following Pritam Kotal's departure and has since led the team to two ISL Shields and one ISL Cup in just two seasons. He has been with the club since their ISL debut and has remained a regular over the past five seasons, playing as a left-back, occasionally in advanced roles, and even as a centre-back when required. With 115 appearances and involvement in 47 clean sheets, his defensive reliability speaks for itself. Most impressively, in the 2024-25 season, Bose showcased a new dimension to his game by scoring six goals, the most ever by a defender in a single ISL campaign. There's no doubt that Carl McHugh's defensive stability in midfield was a key factor in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's strong start in the ISL. His presence played a major role in helping the team establish itself as a serious contender from the very beginning. A tireless worker and a coach's dream, McHugh made 60 appearances for the Mariners across three seasons. Known for his intelligence and adaptability, he often dropped deep between the centre-backs to help build play from the back, while also breaking up opposition attacks with sharp anticipation. His grit, determination and ability to read the game made him an essential part of the team's core during those formative years in the ISL. With such consistency and influence, McHugh earns a well-deserved spot in this all-time XI. Many may feel it's too soon to include Apuia in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's all-time XI, but his impact in just one season has been nothing short of transformational. The Indian international fulfilled a dream long held by the MBSG fans, helping the club achieve an ISL double in the 2024-25 season. Arriving with high expectations following a major summer move, Apuia rose to the occasion and took complete control of the midfield. He was the heartbeat of the team, linking defence and attack, dictating tempo, winning duels, and even stepping up with a match-winning goal when needed. While Deepak Tangri has been a consistent figure in MBSG's midfield for years, Apuia's numbers and leadership in an ISL double-winning campaign make his inclusion in this XI hard to overlook. Another player who has been representing Mohun Bagan Super Giant since they entered into the ISL is Manvir Singh, who rightfully earned his place in this all-time XI. A versatile forward capable of operating across the front line, he has mostly been deployed on the right wing, where he has consistently delivered in key moments. Throughout his time at the club, Singh has registered 23 goals and 18 assists, blending strength, speed, and a tireless work ethic to become a mainstay in the Mariners' attack. His impact, particularly in high-stakes matches, has solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable and valuable Indian forwards in the league. Since joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2022, Dimitri Petratos has been at the heart of everything good in attack. The Australian forward has delivered in pressure moments time and again, becoming a fan favourite with his eye for goal and creative spark. In just 70 appearances, Petratos has scored 26 goals, the highest total in the club's ISL history, and added 17 assists, showcasing his ability to both finish and create chances. His influence has been key in the Mariners' most successful run, which includes two ISL Cups and back-to-back ISL Shields. A complete modern forward with leadership qualities, Petratos has etched his name into club folklore with consistent match-winning performances. Liston Colaco has been enjoying the best phase of his career at Mohun Bagan Super Giant since arriving from Hyderabad FC. Over the past four seasons, he has been a consistent force down the left flank, delivering with flair, pace, and precision. His quick feet, ability to strike from distance, and signature knuckleball technique, both in open play and from set-pieces, have made him a nightmare for defenders. Whether it's creating chances or finishing them, Colaco has been a vital part of the Mariners' attacking play. Given his impact and consistency, he is an easy choice for the left wing in our all-time XI. Roy Krishna was the heartbeat of Mohun Bagan Super Giant's attack during their early years in the ISL, especially under Antonio Habas. He was a constant threat to opposition defences with his intelligence and an unmatched work ethic. Though the Mariners narrowly missed out on silverware during his two-season spell, Krishna's impact was undeniable. His movement, link-up play, and knack for delivering in high-pressure moments made him a complete striker and a fan favourite. In the Green and Maroon shirt, Krishna recorded 21 goals and 12 assists, consistently delivering on the biggest stages. While Jason Cummings has been outstanding over the past two seasons, it's Krishna's role in shaping the club's attacking identity during its formative ISL years that gives him the edge in this all-time XI. Antonio Lopez Habas gets the nod as head coach in this all-time XI, thanks to his two impactful spells with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. While the team narrowly missed out on silverware during his first stint, his return proved historic, guiding the Mariners to their first-ever ISL Shield. Habas's ability to manage high-profile players across both spells, instill a winning mentality, and consistently compete at the top level gives him the edge over Jose Molina, who won the ISL double in his debut season with the Mariners. (ANI)
Canada Standard
5 days ago
- Sport
- Canada Standard
Legends in Yellow: Kerala Blasters FC's all-time best XI
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Kerala Blasters FC have carved out their identity as one of the most iconic clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL), driven by the unwavering passion of its fans and the relentless support of the Yellow Army over the years, according to the official website of ISL. The club has been a very important part of the ISL fabric and continues to be the centre of all the drama that unfolds in the league. Kerala Blasters FC's journey has been one of ups and downs, which has exuded the kind of emotions that add so much colour to the ISL. The fandom for the Blasters is so high that, whether it's season time or off-season, the club forms a large part of the daily conversations within the football community in the state. One topic that often invites a lot of debate and opinions is picking a club's best-ever team. The choice between the red-hot performers of the present and the stars of yesteryears often puts fans in a fix and that's where the fun is. There was a lot of competition for the place between the Kerala Blasters FC goal with the likes of the legendary David James, Sandip Nandy, Albino Gomes and Sachin Suresh in the equation, but it's Prabhsukhan Singh Gill that has found favour with us due to his consistent displays at the club. Gill joined Kerala Blasters FC in September 2020 but had to wait over a year to make his ISL debut as he spent his first season at the club being deputy to Gomes. It was when the latter got injured that Gill finally got his chance and the goalkeeper grabbed it with both hands. He made 20 appearances for the Blasters in the 2021-22 season, keeping seven clean sheets, helping his team reach the ISL Cup final. He won the ISL Golden Glove award in his breakthrough season to cement his place in the starting XI. He had another solid campaign in the 2022-23 season as the Blasters qualified for the playoffs for the second season in a row, for the first time in their history. Gill may have departed for East Bengal FC, but his contribution to the Blasters shines through. A player that often flies under the radar, Sandeep Singh has been putting in a shift for the Blasters at right-back for five straight seasons, week in and week out. With over 70 appearances for the club, Sandeep has been a very consistent performer for the club who often leaves everything on the field for the Blasters. He beat some big names in Rahul Bheke, Harmanjot Khabra, Pritam Kotal and Mohammad Rakip to take his place in the all-time Kerala Blasters FC's starting XI. Jessel Carneiro is Kerala Blasters FC through and through and it was evident from his performances every time he donned the yellow jersey. He joined the club in 2019 and instantly became a hit at left-back as he featured in 18 ISL games and provided four assists. His rise in the Kerala Blasters FC side was further rubber-stamped when he was made the captain in December 2020. Carneiro fulfilled the responsibility with great effect as he translated the fans' passion for the badge onto the pitch through his performances. The Blasters have had some good left-backs over the years in Nishu Kumar, Naocha Singh, Lalruatthara but none of them could quite match the performance of Carneiro and what he meant for Kerala Blasters FC. Sandesh Jhingan arrived at Kerala Blasters FC as a raw youngster and left as one of the best centre-backs in the league. He grew with the club during his six seasons there, making 76 ISL appearances. He was a key defender in their run to the final in 2014 and 2016 and also captained the team from 2017 onwards in many games till his departure in 2020. He is an obvious choice for the centre-back role in the club's all-time starting XI. Cedric Hengbart gets the nod for the second central defender in KBFC's all-time starting XI, just edging out Marko Leskovic. Hengbart played just 30 games across two seasons with the Blasters as compared to Leskovic's 48 ISL appearances but the Frenchman had a huge impact on the team during his time at the club. A true leader on the pitch, Hengbart led the team to the finals in each of his two campaigns with the Blasters. Jeakson Singh came into the senior team at Kerala Blasters FC from its reserve team and grew in stature with each passing season. He came into his own under Ivan Vukomanovic, where he cemented his place in the starting XI and transformed into one of India's best defensive midfielders. His presence in midfield allowed the likes of Adrian Luna and Sahal Abdul Samad room to express themselves in the final third. He made 78 ISL appearances for Kerala Blasters FC and also helped the club reach the final in 2021-22. He edges Mehtab Hossain in this all-time XI for his long service at the club and the sheer consistency with which he performed. No all-time KBFC XI can be complete without the Uruguayan who has become one of the Blasters' very own. With over 70 appearances, Adrian Luna has scored 13 times for the team and provided 23 assists and has been the creative spark of the side. He has also warmed up to the fans and has managed to get them on the edge of their seats every time he has received the ball. Luna has a deep bond with the Kerala Blasters FC faithful and is the club's most iconic figure. Sahal Abdul Samad captured the imagination of the Kerala Blasters FC fans with his mesmerising footwork and silky skills and became an instant fan favourite. The central attacking midfielder who joined the club as a youngster in 2017-18 left as the player with the most appearances for the Blasters in the ISL. His record of 92 appearances remains intact to date. He delivered 10 goals and eight assists for the club and gave plenty of young fans in Kerala a role model to follow. Sahal moved to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2023, but his KBFC legacy is unquestionable. CK Vineeth is another darling of the Kerala Blasters FC fans and rightly so. He gave everything for the shirt while playing in different positions and always stepped up when it mattered the most. A tally of 11 goals and two assists in 42 ISL matches was a commendable return for the forward, who is most fondly remembered for his late brace against rivals Chennaiyin FC in the 2016 season. Rahul KP and Prasanth K were players who were close challengers to Vineeth for this spot, but Vineeth's aura in a KBFC jersey was just different. Hume was one of the first stars of Kerala Blasters FC and it all began after he scored the club's first-ever goal in the ISL in the 2014 season. Hume embodied determination, fighting spirit and cold-blooded precision in the final third, which the fans quickly developed a fondness for and Hume paid back the love with excellence in his performances. Hume scored four times in the regular ISL season in 2014 and netted one and assisted another in their 3-0 first-leg win over Chennaiyin FC in the semi-final. The Canadian returned to the Blasters in 2017-18 and scored five times. Hume may not have the best numbers in a Kerala Blasters FC shirt but the impact that he made on the field was beyond mere statistics. Kerala Blasters FC's all-time leading goalscorer, Dimitrios Diamantakos, completes the line-up as he takes up the centre-forward position. With 23 goals and six assists in 38 ISL appearances for Kerala Blasters FC, Diamatakos was a lethal weapon in the armour for Vukomanovic's side. He won the ISL Golden Boot award in the 2023-24 season and became the first Kerala Blasters FC player to do so. Bartholomew Ogbeche was another candidate for this position, having scored 15 goals in 16 ISL matches for the Blasters in the 2019-20 season but Diamantakos got the nod, having helped the Blasters reach the playoffs in both seasons that he was in Kochi. Ivan Vukomanovic is the longest-serving manager at a club in ISL history. The Serbian transformed a club that was struggling to challenge at the top of the table into consistent challengers and also led the Blasters to the ISL Cup final in 2021-22. Vukomanovic also built a strong bond with the fans that remains special even after his departure. David James did a good job in Kochi in his two stints at the club and so did Steve Coppell, leading Blasters to a second-place finish in the league and the ISL Cup final in 2016, but Vukomanovic's work at Kerala Blasters FC remains superior. (ANI)
Canada News.Net
6 days ago
- Sport
- Canada News.Net
Legends in Yellow: Kerala Blasters FC's all-time best XI
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Kerala Blasters FC have carved out their identity as one of the most iconic clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL), driven by the unwavering passion of its fans and the relentless support of the Yellow Army over the years, according to the official website of ISL. The club has been a very important part of the ISL fabric and continues to be the centre of all the drama that unfolds in the league. Kerala Blasters FC's journey has been one of ups and downs, which has exuded the kind of emotions that add so much colour to the ISL. The fandom for the Blasters is so high that, whether it's season time or off-season, the club forms a large part of the daily conversations within the football community in the state. One topic that often invites a lot of debate and opinions is picking a club's best-ever team. The choice between the red-hot performers of the present and the stars of yesteryears often puts fans in a fix and that's where the fun is. There was a lot of competition for the place between the Kerala Blasters FC goal with the likes of the legendary David James, Sandip Nandy, Albino Gomes and Sachin Suresh in the equation, but it's Prabhsukhan Singh Gill that has found favour with us due to his consistent displays at the club. Gill joined Kerala Blasters FC in September 2020 but had to wait over a year to make his ISL debut as he spent his first season at the club being deputy to Gomes. It was when the latter got injured that Gill finally got his chance and the goalkeeper grabbed it with both hands. He made 20 appearances for the Blasters in the 2021-22 season, keeping seven clean sheets, helping his team reach the ISL Cup final. He won the ISL Golden Glove award in his breakthrough season to cement his place in the starting XI. He had another solid campaign in the 2022-23 season as the Blasters qualified for the playoffs for the second season in a row, for the first time in their history. Gill may have departed for East Bengal FC, but his contribution to the Blasters shines through. A player that often flies under the radar, Sandeep Singh has been putting in a shift for the Blasters at right-back for five straight seasons, week in and week out. With over 70 appearances for the club, Sandeep has been a very consistent performer for the club who often leaves everything on the field for the Blasters. He beat some big names in Rahul Bheke, Harmanjot Khabra, Pritam Kotal and Mohammad Rakip to take his place in the all-time Kerala Blasters FC's starting XI. Jessel Carneiro is Kerala Blasters FC through and through and it was evident from his performances every time he donned the yellow jersey. He joined the club in 2019 and instantly became a hit at left-back as he featured in 18 ISL games and provided four assists. His rise in the Kerala Blasters FC side was further rubber-stamped when he was made the captain in December 2020. Carneiro fulfilled the responsibility with great effect as he translated the fans' passion for the badge onto the pitch through his performances. The Blasters have had some good left-backs over the years in Nishu Kumar, Naocha Singh, Lalruatthara but none of them could quite match the performance of Carneiro and what he meant for Kerala Blasters FC. Sandesh Jhingan arrived at Kerala Blasters FC as a raw youngster and left as one of the best centre-backs in the league. He grew with the club during his six seasons there, making 76 ISL appearances. He was a key defender in their run to the final in 2014 and 2016 and also captained the team from 2017 onwards in many games till his departure in 2020. He is an obvious choice for the centre-back role in the club's all-time starting XI. Cedric Hengbart gets the nod for the second central defender in KBFC's all-time starting XI, just edging out Marko Leskovic. Hengbart played just 30 games across two seasons with the Blasters as compared to Leskovic's 48 ISL appearances but the Frenchman had a huge impact on the team during his time at the club. A true leader on the pitch, Hengbart led the team to the finals in each of his two campaigns with the Blasters. Jeakson Singh came into the senior team at Kerala Blasters FC from its reserve team and grew in stature with each passing season. He came into his own under Ivan Vukomanovic, where he cemented his place in the starting XI and transformed into one of India's best defensive midfielders. His presence in midfield allowed the likes of Adrian Luna and Sahal Abdul Samad room to express themselves in the final third. He made 78 ISL appearances for Kerala Blasters FC and also helped the club reach the final in 2021-22. He edges Mehtab Hossain in this all-time XI for his long service at the club and the sheer consistency with which he performed. No all-time KBFC XI can be complete without the Uruguayan who has become one of the Blasters' very own. With over 70 appearances, Adrian Luna has scored 13 times for the team and provided 23 assists and has been the creative spark of the side. He has also warmed up to the fans and has managed to get them on the edge of their seats every time he has received the ball. Luna has a deep bond with the Kerala Blasters FC faithful and is the club's most iconic figure. Sahal Abdul Samad captured the imagination of the Kerala Blasters FC fans with his mesmerising footwork and silky skills and became an instant fan favourite. The central attacking midfielder who joined the club as a youngster in 2017-18 left as the player with the most appearances for the Blasters in the ISL. His record of 92 appearances remains intact to date. He delivered 10 goals and eight assists for the club and gave plenty of young fans in Kerala a role model to follow. Sahal moved to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2023, but his KBFC legacy is unquestionable. CK Vineeth is another darling of the Kerala Blasters FC fans and rightly so. He gave everything for the shirt while playing in different positions and always stepped up when it mattered the most. A tally of 11 goals and two assists in 42 ISL matches was a commendable return for the forward, who is most fondly remembered for his late brace against rivals Chennaiyin FC in the 2016 season. Rahul KP and Prasanth K were players who were close challengers to Vineeth for this spot, but Vineeth's aura in a KBFC jersey was just different. Hume was one of the first stars of Kerala Blasters FC and it all began after he scored the club's first-ever goal in the ISL in the 2014 season. Hume embodied determination, fighting spirit and cold-blooded precision in the final third, which the fans quickly developed a fondness for and Hume paid back the love with excellence in his performances. Hume scored four times in the regular ISL season in 2014 and netted one and assisted another in their 3-0 first-leg win over Chennaiyin FC in the semi-final. The Canadian returned to the Blasters in 2017-18 and scored five times. Hume may not have the best numbers in a Kerala Blasters FC shirt but the impact that he made on the field was beyond mere statistics. Kerala Blasters FC's all-time leading goalscorer, Dimitrios Diamantakos, completes the line-up as he takes up the centre-forward position. With 23 goals and six assists in 38 ISL appearances for Kerala Blasters FC, Diamatakos was a lethal weapon in the armour for Vukomanovic's side. He won the ISL Golden Boot award in the 2023-24 season and became the first Kerala Blasters FC player to do so. Bartholomew Ogbeche was another candidate for this position, having scored 15 goals in 16 ISL matches for the Blasters in the 2019-20 season but Diamantakos got the nod, having helped the Blasters reach the playoffs in both seasons that he was in Kochi. Ivan Vukomanovic is the longest-serving manager at a club in ISL history. The Serbian transformed a club that was struggling to challenge at the top of the table into consistent challengers and also led the Blasters to the ISL Cup final in 2021-22. Vukomanovic also built a strong bond with the fans that remains special even after his departure. David James did a good job in Kochi in his two stints at the club and so did Steve Coppell, leading Blasters to a second-place finish in the league and the ISL Cup final in 2016, but Vukomanovic's work at Kerala Blasters FC remains superior. (ANI)
India Gazette
6 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Legends in Yellow: Kerala Blasters FC's all-time best XI
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Kerala Blasters FC have carved out their identity as one of the most iconic clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL), driven by the unwavering passion of its fans and the relentless support of the Yellow Army over the years, according to the official website of ISL. The club has been a very important part of the ISL fabric and continues to be the centre of all the drama that unfolds in the league. Kerala Blasters FC's journey has been one of ups and downs, which has exuded the kind of emotions that add so much colour to the ISL. The fandom for the Blasters is so high that, whether it's season time or off-season, the club forms a large part of the daily conversations within the football community in the state. One topic that often invites a lot of debate and opinions is picking a club's best-ever team. The choice between the red-hot performers of the present and the stars of yesteryears often puts fans in a fix and that's where the fun is. There was a lot of competition for the place between the Kerala Blasters FC goal with the likes of the legendary David James, Sandip Nandy, Albino Gomes and Sachin Suresh in the equation, but it's Prabhsukhan Singh Gill that has found favour with us due to his consistent displays at the club. Gill joined Kerala Blasters FC in September 2020 but had to wait over a year to make his ISL debut as he spent his first season at the club being deputy to Gomes. It was when the latter got injured that Gill finally got his chance and the goalkeeper grabbed it with both hands. He made 20 appearances for the Blasters in the 2021-22 season, keeping seven clean sheets, helping his team reach the ISL Cup final. He won the ISL Golden Glove award in his breakthrough season to cement his place in the starting XI. He had another solid campaign in the 2022-23 season as the Blasters qualified for the playoffs for the second season in a row, for the first time in their history. Gill may have departed for East Bengal FC, but his contribution to the Blasters shines through. A player that often flies under the radar, Sandeep Singh has been putting in a shift for the Blasters at right-back for five straight seasons, week in and week out. With over 70 appearances for the club, Sandeep has been a very consistent performer for the club who often leaves everything on the field for the Blasters. He beat some big names in Rahul Bheke, Harmanjot Khabra, Pritam Kotal and Mohammad Rakip to take his place in the all-time Kerala Blasters FC's starting XI. Jessel Carneiro is Kerala Blasters FC through and through and it was evident from his performances every time he donned the yellow jersey. He joined the club in 2019 and instantly became a hit at left-back as he featured in 18 ISL games and provided four assists. His rise in the Kerala Blasters FC side was further rubber-stamped when he was made the captain in December 2020. Carneiro fulfilled the responsibility with great effect as he translated the fans' passion for the badge onto the pitch through his performances. The Blasters have had some good left-backs over the years in Nishu Kumar, Naocha Singh, Lalruatthara but none of them could quite match the performance of Carneiro and what he meant for Kerala Blasters FC. Sandesh Jhingan arrived at Kerala Blasters FC as a raw youngster and left as one of the best centre-backs in the league. He grew with the club during his six seasons there, making 76 ISL appearances. He was a key defender in their run to the final in 2014 and 2016 and also captained the team from 2017 onwards in many games till his departure in 2020. He is an obvious choice for the centre-back role in the club's all-time starting XI. Cedric Hengbart gets the nod for the second central defender in KBFC's all-time starting XI, just edging out Marko Leskovic. Hengbart played just 30 games across two seasons with the Blasters as compared to Leskovic's 48 ISL appearances but the Frenchman had a huge impact on the team during his time at the club. A true leader on the pitch, Hengbart led the team to the finals in each of his two campaigns with the Blasters. Jeakson Singh came into the senior team at Kerala Blasters FC from its reserve team and grew in stature with each passing season. He came into his own under Ivan Vukomanovic, where he cemented his place in the starting XI and transformed into one of India's best defensive midfielders. His presence in midfield allowed the likes of Adrian Luna and Sahal Abdul Samad room to express themselves in the final third. He made 78 ISL appearances for Kerala Blasters FC and also helped the club reach the final in 2021-22. He edges Mehtab Hossain in this all-time XI for his long service at the club and the sheer consistency with which he performed. No all-time KBFC XI can be complete without the Uruguayan who has become one of the Blasters' very own. With over 70 appearances, Adrian Luna has scored 13 times for the team and provided 23 assists and has been the creative spark of the side. He has also warmed up to the fans and has managed to get them on the edge of their seats every time he has received the ball. Luna has a deep bond with the Kerala Blasters FC faithful and is the club's most iconic figure. Sahal Abdul Samad captured the imagination of the Kerala Blasters FC fans with his mesmerising footwork and silky skills and became an instant fan favourite. The central attacking midfielder who joined the club as a youngster in 2017-18 left as the player with the most appearances for the Blasters in the ISL. His record of 92 appearances remains intact to date. He delivered 10 goals and eight assists for the club and gave plenty of young fans in Kerala a role model to follow. Sahal moved to Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2023, but his KBFC legacy is unquestionable. CK Vineeth is another darling of the Kerala Blasters FC fans and rightly so. He gave everything for the shirt while playing in different positions and always stepped up when it mattered the most. A tally of 11 goals and two assists in 42 ISL matches was a commendable return for the forward, who is most fondly remembered for his late brace against rivals Chennaiyin FC in the 2016 season. Rahul KP and Prasanth K were players who were close challengers to Vineeth for this spot, but Vineeth's aura in a KBFC jersey was just different. Hume was one of the first stars of Kerala Blasters FC and it all began after he scored the club's first-ever goal in the ISL in the 2014 season. Hume embodied determination, fighting spirit and cold-blooded precision in the final third, which the fans quickly developed a fondness for and Hume paid back the love with excellence in his performances. Hume scored four times in the regular ISL season in 2014 and netted one and assisted another in their 3-0 first-leg win over Chennaiyin FC in the semi-final. The Canadian returned to the Blasters in 2017-18 and scored five times. Hume may not have the best numbers in a Kerala Blasters FC shirt but the impact that he made on the field was beyond mere statistics. Kerala Blasters FC's all-time leading goalscorer, Dimitrios Diamantakos, completes the line-up as he takes up the centre-forward position. With 23 goals and six assists in 38 ISL appearances for Kerala Blasters FC, Diamatakos was a lethal weapon in the armour for Vukomanovic's side. He won the ISL Golden Boot award in the 2023-24 season and became the first Kerala Blasters FC player to do so. Bartholomew Ogbeche was another candidate for this position, having scored 15 goals in 16 ISL matches for the Blasters in the 2019-20 season but Diamantakos got the nod, having helped the Blasters reach the playoffs in both seasons that he was in Kochi. Ivan Vukomanovic is the longest-serving manager at a club in ISL history. The Serbian transformed a club that was struggling to challenge at the top of the table into consistent challengers and also led the Blasters to the ISL Cup final in 2021-22. Vukomanovic also built a strong bond with the fans that remains special even after his departure. David James did a good job in Kochi in his two stints at the club and so did Steve Coppell, leading Blasters to a second-place finish in the league and the ISL Cup final in 2016, but Vukomanovic's work at Kerala Blasters FC remains superior. (ANI)
