Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters FC has appointed Serbia's Ivan Vukomanovic as the new head coach of the club for the 2021-22 season.
Vukomanovic replaces Spaniard Kibu Vicuna, who was sacked after a 4-0 loss to Hyderabad in February, ending Kerala's hopes of a place in the ISL playoffs. Kerala finished the season in 10th place, with three wins and eight draws in 20 matches, allowing them to stay ahead of Odisha FC, who managed two wins and six draws to finish at the bottom of the table.
Vukomanovic, who will be the first Serbian to manage KBFC, comes with significant experience coaching in the top divisions of Belgium, Slovakia and Cyprus. The 43-year-old began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Belgian club Standard Lige in the 2013–14 season before being promoted to the next campaign. Under him, the team qualified for the UEFA Europa League group stages for two consecutive years.
Vukomanovic has since managed SK Slovan Bratislava in the Slovak Super Liga, with which he won the Slovakia National Cup, and was last in charge of Apollon Limassol in the Cypriot First Division.
Vukomanovic said of his appointment, "He has a professional approach to his approach, which gave me a great feeling. After seeing the army of fans and the support of KBFC, I didn't hesitate a second " “I immediately found out that I wanted to be a member of the KBFC family, and I am so glad that it happened. I hope we all work together to make everyone who loves this beautiful club happy and proud. Yenam yellow!" she added.
Prior to his coaching career, Vukomanovic had a 15-year long career as a professional footballer. A former defender who could also play in midfield, Vokomanovic has starred with major French club FC Bordeaux as well as FC Köln in Germany, Royal Antwerp in Belgium, Dynamo Moscow in Russia and Red Star Belgrade in Serbia.
The Serbian's coaching team will also include Belgian assistant Patrick Van Keats, who comes with 18 years of experience as a professional football coach. Having worked as an assistant coach at various clubs in France and Belgium, Van Cates has a keen eye and ability to nurture and develop young talent.
KBFC Sporting Director Karolis Skinkis said, “Selecting the right candidate for the crucial head coach position was a long process. I think Ivan is well suited for this great challenge and responsibility, someone who can handle the pressure here. "
The club organized an individual training camp after the end of the previous season to help its players improve their fitness and skills during the off-season. While pre-season planning and preparations are already underway, training camps are also likely to resume soon, with Vukomanovic expected to visit India in the coming weeks.