Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters FC announced that they were parting ways with head coach Ivan Vukomanovic after three years of association, which thrilled fans across the nation with some scintillating football action.
The 46-year-old proved to be a fan-favourite as he rallied the team to the playoffs of the elite Indian football competition during all three years of his tenure.
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“The Club bids goodbye to our Head Coach, Ivan Vukomanovic. We thank Ivan for his leadership and commitment and wish him the best in his journey ahead,” Kerala Blasters posted on their social media account.
The eloquent Serbian set up a brilliant culture in the state that holds the game in the highest of regard and was loved by the fans of the Tuskers, who have been one of the most vociferous crowd in the Indian football landscape.
Vukomanovic was roped in by the Kerala side back in the year 2021 and led them to the final, which they ultimately lost on penalties to Hyderabad FC. However, the Serbian had convinced the team, management and the fans that he was the right man for the job and was handed a contract extension which he accepted.
The Serbian took the Tuskers into the ISL playoffs yet again in his second season at the helm, which was marked by the infamous walkout in the semi-final of the tournament against Bengaluru FC. He was handed a lengthy touchline ban and a hefty fine for leading his team off the field before the completion of the game following a quick free-kick that resulted in a goal for Bengaluru. The coach felt hard done by the incident and instructed his players to head back to the dugout before time had run out.
He took the Blasters to the ISL playoffs yet again in the ongoing season of the tournament, before falling short to Odisha FC in the playoffs.