Swedish football manager Mikael Stahre will become the new head coach of Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters as he has signed a two-year deal, the Kochi-based team said on Thursday. Stahre, 48 will be at the helm of the team until 2026, KBFC said in an official release.
"With over two decades of coaching experience, Mikael Stahre has built a reputation for his tactical acumen and leadership qualities. His coaching career has spanned multiple leagues and countries. Throughout his career, Stahre has managed over 400 matches with prominent teams such as AIK (Sweden), Panionios (Greece), IFK Göteborg (Sweden), Dalian Yifang (China), BK Häcken (Sweden), San Jose Earthquakes (USA), Sarpsborg 08 (Norway), and Uthai Thani (Thailand)," Kerala Blasters said in an official release.
Mikael Stahre will succeed Serbian Ivan Vukomanovic, who bid farewell to the immensely popular ISL team in April after three years in charge. Despite the performance of the Blasters improving under Vukomanovic, he couldn't contribute anything to the club's empty trophy cabinet.
Stahre’s most notable achievements include leading AIK to the Swedish Allsvenskan title (league title), Svenska Cupen (cup), and Supercupen (cup), and guiding IFK Göteborg to the Svenska Cupen (cup), the club release added.
"I am very proud to be able to continue my coaching career in Asia, and to explore my 3rd country on this beautiful continent. I look forward to coming to India soon and meeting everyone. Let’s do some great things together," Stahre was quoted as saying.
On the same page and looking forward to doing great things together!💛#KBFC #KeralaBlasters #MikaelStahre @IndSuperLeague pic.twitter.com/BRsPUAhkrH
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) May 23, 2024
