The meager tally of seven points which they managed from their first seven games meant Blasters were always playing catch-up with the rest of the contenders. ISLKerala Blasters' hopes in the Indian Super League (ISL) Season 4 ended after FC Goa thrashed ATK 5-1 in Margao Wednesday night. Goa's win meant Blasters would not advance even if they got the better of table leaders Bengaluru FC in their final league game. Blasters, who finished runners-up last season, never really got going this time around. The Yellow Brigade was made to pay dearly for its extremely slow start.
Dutchman Rene Meulensteen could not inspire the team early on and the meager tally of seven points which they managed from their first seven games meant Blasters were always playing catch-up with the rest of the contenders. Meulensteen's marquee signing Dimitar Berbatov did not fit into Blasters' scheme of things. In the absence of an influential playmaker, Berbatov was a pale shadow of the player who was a prolific scorer in the Premier League. The Bulgarian was plagued by injuries and fitness issues.
James pulls his weight
Due credit should be given to David James for reviving Blasters' campaign and almost snatching a spot in the semifinals against heavy odds. The Englishman instilled confidence in the players and was able to get the best out of them.
The injuries to Canadian striker Iain Hume and Ugandan midfielder Kizito Keziron added to Blasters' woes. The team management has to bring in a quality midfielder and a striker if Blasters are to end the title drought at least next season. Blasters have traditionally struggled to score goals and it was no different this time. Veteran Hume with five goals and the experienced C K Vineeth with four strikes were Blasters' top marksmen. Vineeth scored some lovely goals, but was also guilty of squandering a couple of golden chances in the vital home match against Chennaiyin FC. Hume played his heart out and even notched up a hat-trick against Delhi Dynamos. However, there is no denying the fact that Blasters have to look for a top striker who is physically in top shape as well.
Positives
Both Paul Rachubka and Subhasish Roy Chowdhury shone under the Blasters' goal, while the backline led by Sandesh Jhingan did a commendable job. Lalruatthara had an outstanding season while fellow defenders Wes Brown and Nemanja Lakic-Pesic held their own. Ghanaian Courage Pekuson was lively in the midfield but he failed to even hit the target on numerous occasions. In hindsight, Pekuson's penalty miss against Chennaiyin as well as the draw against ATK in Kolkata proved vital.
As expected, fans came out in large numbers to cheer Blasters even when the team was playing lackluster football. They remained loyal to the side co-owned by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and it is up to the team management to invest wisely and bring smiles on the supporters' faces.
